Asia Cup 2025: Sanju Samson's touch-and-go catch ruled in India's favour, Fakhar Zaman walks in disbelief

Published - 21 Sept 2025, 20:41 IST | Updated - 21 Sept 2025, 20:51 IST

Indian wicketkeeper Sanju Samson produced a stunning low catch to dismiss Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman on September 21 at Dubai during the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four clash. India, led by skipper Suryakumar Yadav, won the toss and opted to bowl first in this much-anticipated encounter.

The chance came in the second over when Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya bowled an off-cutter by rolling his fingers across the ball and slightly gripping it off a length. Fakhar edged the delivery, sending it low towards Samson. The wicketkeeper showcased exceptional reflexes, keeping his gloves close to the ground.

However, the catch was referred to the third umpire for a review. After a careful look, including a big zoom on the replay, the third umpire ruled the batter dismissed. As the big screen displayed the final decision loud and clear, Zaman walked back while shaking his head. Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson, too, wasn't too satisfied with the outcome, hinting that there may have been a lack of diligence on the umpire's part.

The left-handed opener entertained the crowd during his brief stay, scoring 15 runs off nine balls, including a boundary just before the dismissal. Fakhar had already made his presence felt in the second over of the match by smashing two consecutive boundaries, marking an aggressive start in the first innings of the match.

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Hardik continues to be a thorn for Pakistan, maintaining an impressive record against the arch-rivals. In eight T20I innings against Pakistan, he has claimed 15 wickets, the highest by any bowler in the India-Pakistan T20I clashes.

In the earlier group stage encounter of the tournament, India had created an upset by defeating Pakistan by seven wickets. Kuldeep Yadav shone with a three-wicket haul, while Suryakumar led the successful chase with an unbeaten 47, securing crucial points for the Men in Blue.

With this being the second clash between the two nations in the Super Four stage, anticipation is high. Fans are eager to see which side will assert dominance and have the last laugh in one of cricket’s most high-voltage rivalries.