- By Namrata Vijay
- Sun, 21 Sep 2025 11:01 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2025 Super 4: Fakhar Zaman's controversial wicket and Jasprit Bumrah's inability to take wickets during the initial overs of the Super 4 Asia Cup match against Pakistan on Sunday in Dubai. The Men in Green had a flying start, but it was affected by a disputed catch, whereas Indian bowlers were slammed when Bumrah had a rare off-day.
While batting first, the Salman Ali Agha-led side began their innings on a high as openers Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman scored quick runs. When Farhan's dismissal became debatable in the third over, they kept the scorecard during the first six overs.
India's star fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, failed to find his form and conceded 34 runs during the powerplay, and that was his most expensive over in this format during a powerplay as he was seen struggling with his control. He couldn't bowl his yorkers and had also bowled a waist-high no-ball, and that showed his lack of match practice, as he had missed their last group stage match against Oman.
This led to his preparation being questioned, as it was wondered if he was fully fit and whether he was injured or not.
It should be noted here that Bumrah wasn't at his absolute best during the group stage matches against the UAE and Pakistan. He entered this tournament after a long break, post the test series against England. He also didn't play the fifth and the last Test match in order to manage his workload.
At the same time, the Indian bowlers were slammed heavily. Suryakumar Yadav gave Jasprit Bumrah the third over during the powerplay, even though he had already bowled two expensive overs. Bumrah did bowl the last over at a time when they could have used a spinner, especially when Varun Chakravarthy had already bowled a brilliant fifth over.
This decision didn't work in their favour as Bumrah gave away 13 runs during the sixth over and helped the Men in Green score 55 runs during the powerplay. The Salman Ali Agha-led side registered their highest powerplay target against the Men in Blue in the history of this format.
FAKHAR ZAMAN: OUT OR NOT OUT?
During the first innings, Fakhar Zaman's wicket became debatable on social media.
He had edged off a peachy delivery in Hardik Pandya's over, where Sanju Samson dove and took the brilliant catch. But there was uncertainty as to whether the catch was properly taken, and that led the on-field umpires to take the DRS. In the end, Fakhar was dismissed, who was left stunned before he went back to the pavilion.
This wicket left Pakistan tottering at 21/1. In the dressing room, Fakhar was seen interacting with Mike Hesson, who too was shocked by this decision, and that's why this dismissal became controversial.
But Pakistan was able to score 91 runs off 10 overs on the back of a brilliant half-century by Sahibzada Farhan.
His high-octane clash started with the India skipper once again not shaking hands with Salman Ali Agha.