Video of the Day – Asia Cup 2025: Hardik Pandya strikes on first ball in high-octane IND-PAK clash

Hardik Pandya struck early to get rid of Saim Ayub for a golden duck on the first legal delivery of the Match No. 6 of Asia Cup 2025 between India and Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, September 14. This marked Ayub’s second-consecutive departure for a golden duck, as he had experienced a similar fate in the clash against Oman as well.

This time round, a bit of spongy bounce off the wicket led to Ayub playing on the up, which led to the left-handed batter spooning the catch straight to the hands of Jasprit Bumrah at point. In a comfortable position to get hold of the ball, Bumrah made no fuss in snapping up a straightforward opportunity. The Men in Green had lost Ayub without much added to the board in the high-stakes encounter.

The Green Shirts’ top-scorer in their clash against Oman, Mohammad Haris, was dismissed in the very next over. He could only make 3 off 5 this time around. The roles were reversed, as this time, Bumrah was the bowler and Hardik held onto the chance at the deep backward square leg region.

Haris attempted to play a pick-up shot and take the charge to Bumrah. However, he ended up skying the ball. Hardik, running in from fine leg, safely pouched onto the ball near the deep square leg region. India were visibly ecstatic after having Pakistan two down in no time.

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