Fakhar Zaman’s contentious dismissal and Jasprit Bumrah’s struggles with the ball dominated the opening stages of the Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 encounter between India and Pakistan on Sunday, 21 September, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The match saw Pakistan’s positive start disrupted by a disputed catch, while India’s bowling tactics came under scrutiny after Bumrah’s rare off-day.

Sent in to bat by India, Pakistan began brightly, with Fakhar Zaman and Sahibzada Farhan making swift progress.

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Jasprit Bumrah, India’s ace paceman, struggled to find his rhythm, giving away 34 runs in the powerplay – his most expensive spell in the format in the powerplay – while appearing to lack his usual control. He was unable to execute his yorkers and even delivered a waist-high no-ball, suggesting a lack of match sharpness after being rested for the previous group-stage match against Oman.

Questions about his readiness circulated among supporters, with many asking if the pacer is fully fit, and if he is carrying an injury in the Asia Cup.

Notaly, Bumrah was not at is usual best in the group-stage matches against the UAE and Pakistan. He had played the Asia Cup after having had a lengthy break following the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. Bumrah did not play the fifth and final Test of the series in England as his workload was managed due to concerns over injury.

Meanwhile, India’s bowling strategy came under the microscope. Suryakumar gave Jasprit Bumrah a third over in the powerplay despite two expensive overs from the pacer. Bumrah bowled the final over of the powerplay when India had the option of turning to a spinner, espaecllly after World No. 1 Varun Chakravarthy delivered a tidy fifth over.

This move backfired, as Bumrah conceded 13 runs in the sixth over, contributing to Pakistan’s rapid advance of 55 runs in the first six overs. It was Pakistan’s highest powerplay total against India in the history of T20I cricket.

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