Asia Cup 2025: Irfan Pathan bows down to ‘King’ Jasprit Bumrah, threatens Fakhar Zaman

Irfan Pathan has shared his preview of a fascinating showdown between Indian speedster Jasprit Bumrah and the Pakistani batter Fakhar Zaman, praising the paceman's skills as a bowler.

India will play their much-anticipated game against Pakistan at the iconic Dubai International Stadium today, on the 14th of September. The right-handed pacer Bumrah will be one of the players to look out for in this contest. This game will mark the second game of the Asia Cup 2025 for both teams, India and Pakistan.

Irfan Pathan throws an open challenge to Fakhar Zaman

Irfan Pathan, the former Indian all-rounder, has put forward a preview of the contest between Fakhar Zaman and ace Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah. He has stated that Fakhar might struggle if Bumrah delivers with his top speed and abilities.

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"When we saw Bumrah in the last match, he was bowling with control and easing in. He is very smart and knows how to pace himself. When you see him playing against Pakistan, he will be seen at a different pace and in a different zone."

"Fakhar Zaman is a player who plays fast and tries to carry momentum. So there, if Bumrah comes in with his A game, I don't think Fakhar stands a chance. But if he can remove that spell, I would love to see that contest between Fakhar Zaman and Kuldeep Yadav," he said on Sony Sports Network.

Irfan Pathan calls Jasprit Bumrah a 'once in a generation bowler'

Jasprit Bumrah was the only frontline pacer in India's playing XI against the UAE, and he was lethal with his yorkers, one of which broke the batter's defence to draw the first blood for India. India are expected to keep the same combination today.

The former all-rounder has heaped praise on Jasprit Bumrah, calling him a 'once in a generation bowler,' shedding light on his mastery of bowling yorkers and setting up batters, particularly left-handers, with ease.

"Who can give instructions to Bumrah? He is a king. He is a once-in-a-generation bowler. He knows how to set the batters up and when to bowl the yorker. Fakhar is a left-handed batter and we have seen the inswing yorker as well from Bumrah to left-handers," he added.

Jasprit Bumrah's performance the last time India played Pakistan

The Indian speedster Jasprit Bumrah has been a stunning bowler for India. He has overpowered so many greats of the game and has always had the upper hand in high-pressure situations.

Bumrah has had limited opportunities to feature against Pakistan, yet in his decade-long career, he has played 12 matches for India against the arch-rivals. Bumrah has picked 7 wickets in one-dayers and 5 wickets in the shortest format of the game.

Last time Bumrah bowled to Pakistan batters was in the T20 World Cup 2024, where he picked his career-best figures of 3/14 against this opposition. He was also the player of the match, having dismissed Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Iftikhar Ahmed.

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