Ahead of the highly anticipated clash against arch-rivals India, Pakistan`s Saim Ayub said that his team is focused on the bigger picture — winning the Asia Cup 2025 title and not just one match.
“We are not only looking forward to the India-Pakistan match; our main goal is to win the tournament,” said Ayub.
“We try to play fearless cricket against everyone,” he added.
In Pakistan`s Asia Cup 2025 opening clash against Oman, the left-hander returned to the pavilion on a first-ball duck.
In the clash between India and Pakistan, the face-off between star pacer Jasprit Bumrah and other Pakistani batsmen will be worth watching. The pacer is known for his ability to strike wickets during crucial moments.
When asked if Ayub sees facing Bumrah as a challenge, the left-hander said, “Obviously, there is a challenge. When you are playing a match, every bowler is challenging. The biggest task is to find ways to win for your team.”
The mega clash between the two arch-rivals will be held on Sunday at the Dubai International Stadium.
Meanwhile, in the match against Pakistan, Oman had to chase a target of 161. Aamir Kaleem and Oman skipper Jatinder Singh opened the innings for Oman.
However, the side had the worst possible start, as after a tight first over from Shaheen Afridi, Ayub removed Singh for a run on the first ball of the second over. Kaleem was then joined by Hammad Mirza on the crease.
Ayub, in his following over, removed Kaleem for 13 runs off 11 LBW plumb in front, after which Mohammad Nadeem joined Mirza in the middle. Nadeem, however, couldn`t do much as his struggle in the middle ended right after the power play when spinner Sufiyan Muqeem got the better of him for three runs off seven balls.
After 10 overs, Oman were 49-6, with Ikria Islam and Shah Faisal, both yet to score, on the crease. However, their innings wrapped up at mere 67 runs in 16.4 overs, marking a 93-run victory for the “Green Shirts in their Asia Cup 2025 opening clash.
Mohammad Haris was named the Player of the Match for his knock of 66 that set up Pakistan`s dominating win.
(With ANI Inputs)
