Pakistan’s innings couldn’t have started any worse in their Asia Cup 2025 clash against India. Within the first eight balls of their innings, they were already two wickets down, thanks to a fiery opening burst from Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.
Hardik Pandya Strikes With His First Ball
After beginning with a wide, Hardik found his rhythm immediately. His very first legitimate delivery in the game turned into a dream start for India. Bowling a perfect outswinger just outside off, he forced opener Saim Ayub into a loose shot. Ayub’s punch went straight to Bumrah at point, and Pakistan were one down before they could even settle.
This wasn’t just any wicket—it was history. Hardik became only the second Indian bowler ever to claim a wicket off his first legal delivery in T20I cricket. The first? Arshdeep Singh, who did it against the USA in last year’s T20 World Cup in New York.
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Bumrah Keeps the Heat On
If Pakistan thought they’d get some breathing room, Bumrah had other ideas. In just the second over, he dismissed Mohammad Haris, who had come out swinging. Haris tried one slog too many, and this time it ended up as a top edge straight into the safe hands of Pandya behind square.
Bumrah nearly had a second wicket right after, nailing Fakhar Zaman with a thunderous inswinging yorker. India appealed loudly for LBW, but ball-tracking showed the impact was just outside leg. Still, it was enough to rattle Pakistan even more.
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A Nightmare Start for Pakistan
Losing two wickets inside eight balls is never the way you want to kick off such a high-profile game. Against an Indian bowling attack firing on all cylinders, Pakistan suddenly found themselves staring at trouble, with their top order already under pressure.
This is exactly the kind of fiery start India would have wanted—and the kind of collapse Pakistan desperately hoped to avoid
