Asia Cup 2025 : Sanju Samson’s stunning low catch ends Fakhar Zaman’s stay in IND vs PAK Super 4 clash

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The much-anticipated Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 encounter between India and Pakistan at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 21, 2025, got off to a thrilling start as India chose to bowl first against their arch-rivals. In a match carrying immense significance for both teams’ final qualification hopes, India’s wicketkeeper Sanju Samson provided the breakthrough moment with a sharp low catch to dismiss Pakistan’s dangerous opener Fakhar Zaman, showcasing exceptional glovework that could prove decisive in this high-pressure encounter.

The dismissal came in the third over when Hardik Pandya delivered a three-quarter length ball at 131 kmph outside off stump. Fakhar Zaman, who was looking to establish himself after scoring 15 runs from just 9 balls with three boundaries, attempted a defensive block while walking into the shot. However, he managed only a faint edge that flew low toward the wicketkeeper. Samson demonstrated remarkable reflexes and technique, lunging forward with his left knee on the ground and positioning his gloves underneath the ball to complete what appeared to be a challenging low catch.

The dismissal required intervention from the third umpire as Pakistan questioned whether the catch was taken cleanly. Television replays revealed the technical precision of Samson’s work behind the stumps. With clear audio evidence of the edge and slow-motion footage confirming the ball’s trajectory, the third umpire examined whether Samson’s gloves had remained underneath the ball throughout the catch. The decisive moment showed Samson’s fingers properly positioned below the ball as it nestled into his gloves, despite his forward lunge and knee touching the ground.

Zaman appeared unconvinced by the decision and showed visible disappointment as he walked back to the pavilion. The dismissal came at a crucial juncture when Pakistan had reached 21 runs without loss, with both openers looking comfortable against India’s new ball attack. Samson’s celebration remained subdued initially, but he soon jogged in for a congratulatory high-five with bowler Pandya, recognizing the significance of removing a batter who had been striking at 166.66.

Wickets ka 𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐃𝐈𝐊 swaagat, yet again 🤩

Hardik Pandya nicks one off Fakhar Zaman 🔥

Watch #INDvPAK LIVE NOW, on the Sony Sports Network TV channels & Sony LIV.#SonySportsNetwork #DPWorldAsiaCup2025

— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) September 21, 2025

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Captain Suryakumar Yadav‘s decision to field first proved tactically sound as India implemented their plan to restrict Pakistan to a manageable total. The early breakthrough provided by Samson’s sharp work complemented India’s bowling strategy, which featured the return of key players Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakravarthy to the playing eleven. With Pakistan’s score reading 59/1 after 6 overs and a current run rate of 9.17, the early dismissal of Zaman disrupted what could have been a more promising start for the Green Shirts.

The catch exemplified the high standards expected in India-Pakistan encounters, where individual moments of brilliance often determine match outcomes. Samson’s dismissal of Fakhar came against the backdrop of renewed tensions between the teams, with India having previously refused customary handshakes following their group stage victory. As Pakistan’s remaining batters including Saim Ayub, captain Salman Agha, and Mohammad Haris prepare to build their innings, India’s early strike through Samson’s exceptional keeping has provided the perfect platform for their bowling attack to maintain pressure in this winner-takes-all Super 4 clash.

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