Pakistan Eyes Asia Cup Glory Over Just India Clash, Says Young Star Saim Ayub
Dubai, UAE: As the high-stakes India vs Pakistan showdown in the Asia Cup Group A heats up on Sunday, young Pakistan batter Saim Ayub is keeping his team grounded. The aggressive opener says the real focus is on lifting the entire tournament trophy, not just the blockbuster match against India.
"We’re not just hyped for the India-Pakistan game—our big aim is to win the Asia Cup," Ayub shared during a lively pre-match press conference. The 21-year-old, known for his fearless stroke play, added that Pakistan sticks to the same bold strategy no matter who they face. "We play fearless cricket against every team," he said with confidence.
When asked about tackling India’s pace ace Jasprit Bumrah, Ayub didn’t shy away. "Sure, it’s a challenge—every bowler tests you in a match. But the key is staying cool under pressure and finding ways to help your team win," he explained. Ayub’s words show Pakistan’s mindset heading into this Asia Cup rivalry clash.
This comes after Pakistan’s dominant win over Oman, where their bowlers fired on all cylinders. The Men in Green chased down 161 with ease, thanks to a clinical bowling display. Pakistan spinners snared six wickets for just 40 runs in 11 overs, setting the tone early.
Oman got off to a nightmare start. Shaheen Afridi kept things tight in the first over, then Ayub struck gold on the first ball of the second, dismissing skipper Jatinder Singh for a duck. Hammad Mirza joined Aamir Kaleem at the crease, but Ayub cleaned up Kaleem LBW for 13 off 11 balls in his next over.
Mohammad Nadeem walked in but fell cheaply to spinner Sufiyan Muqeem for 3 off 7 after the powerplay. Sufyan Mehmood added just one run before Mohammad Nawaz got him in the eighth over. Wicketkeeper Vinayak Shukla then joined Mirza, but Shukla fell to a sharp run-out from Afridi’s throw.
In the same over, Muqeem removed Mirza, Oman’s top scorer with 27 off 23. By the 10th over, Oman slumped to 49-6, with Ikria Islam (0 off 6) and Shah Faisal (0 off 1) holding on.
Skipper Salman Ali Agha brought in Faheem Ashraf after 10 overs, and he struck immediately, bowling Zikria Islam for a golden duck. Afridi followed up by dismissing Shah Faisal for 1. Ashraf wrapped it up in his second over, cleaning up Hassnain Shah for 1 on the first ball.
Pakistan’s bowlers showed fiery energy throughout, perfect prep for their Asia Cup India match. Mohammad Haris earned Player of the Match honors for his explosive 66, which powered Pakistan to a comfortable victory.
With this momentum, Pakistan enters the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup game ready to play big. Fans can’t wait for the action in Dubai!
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