Saim Ayub endured a difficult passage of play during the India vs Pakistan Asian Games 2026 final at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin on Saturday, October 3. After dismissing Vaibhav Sooryavanshi earlier in the innings, the Pakistan all-rounder was punished by Abhishek Sharma before dropping two catches.
India, led by Shreyas Iyer, made a quick start after choosing to bat first, with Sooryavanshi and Abhishek Sharma taking the attack to Pakistan’s bowlers. However, Saim Ayub gave Pakistan an early breakthrough by dismissing Sooryavanshi on the first ball of the third over. The young opener scored 15 off nine balls.
Abhishek Sharma Takes Saim Ayub Apart With Three Consecutive Boundaries
Saim Ayub came under immediate pressure in his second over despite dismissing Vaibhav Sooryavanshi earlier in the innings. On the fourth ball, Abhishek Sharma waited for a short delivery, rocked back and hammered it over wide long-on for six, making full use of the loose length.
Abhishek followed it with another short delivery and went deep in his crease before clearing mid-on for four. He then struck a good-length ball on the off-stump line over the bowler’s head for another boundary, bringing 15 runs from the over.
Abhishek showcased his ability to read Ayub’s length early. He stayed deep in his crease and punished the Pakistan all-rounder whenever he bowled short or offered width, putting further pressure on Ayub after his earlier wicket.
Saim Ayub Drops Abhishek Sharma and Shreyas Iyer in Same Over
Abhishek Sharma was given a major reprieve in the fifth over. Arafat Minhas bowled slightly short and outside off before the ball turned back into the batter. Abhishek rocked back for the pull but was cramped for room and mistimed the shot high towards deep mid-wicket.
Saim Ayub rushed in from the deep and attempted a full-length dive. He got both hands to the ball but could not complete the catch as it popped out when his elbows hit the ground. Abhishek survived despite not making clean contact, with Ayub unable to hold on to a difficult chance.
In the same over, Minhas tossed the ball up around off stump, and Shreyas Iyer tried to play an inside-out shot but was beaten by the flight and sliced the ball towards the deep.
Ayub again moved forward from the deep, got both hands to the ball while diving and appeared to have another chance under control. However, he spilled it once more. Pakistan conceded 11 runs from the over, while both Abhishek and Iyer survived after Ayub failed to complete either catch.
Sooryavanshi gone for 15, and Saim Ayub hits back with the Baby celebration 😭😂🔥 pic.twitter.com/r2xAfnwZeM
— Mian Ahmad (@MianAhmad_56) October 3, 2026
Saim Ayub dropped the catches of Abhishek Sharma and Shreyas Iyer in an over. pic.twitter.com/zNwmCmtDqs
— Sheri. (@CallMeSheri1_) October 3, 2026
ABHISHEK SHARMA MADNESS 🔥
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 3, 2026
- He is made for big moments: 6,4,4 against Saim Ayub.
What a batter in shorter format. pic.twitter.com/ZjOSEdZOcP
Abhishek Sharma Shatters Multiple T20 Records
Fastest to 400 Sixes in T20s by Indians — By Innings:
| S.No | Batter | Innings |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Abhishek Sharma | 208 |
| 2 | Sanju Samson | 317 |
| 3 | Suryakumar Yadav | 322 |
| 4 | Rohit Sharma | 342 |
| 5 | Virat Kohli | 371 |
Fastest to 400 Sixes in T20s — By Balls:
| S.No | Batter | Balls |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Andre Russell | 3,027 |
| 2 | Abhishek Sharma | 3,513 |
| 3 | Chris Gayle | 3,557 |
| 4 | Tim David | 3,803 |
| 5 | Kieron Pollard | 3,944 |
Fastest to 100 T20 Sixes in a Calendar Year — By Balls
| S.No | Batter | Year | Balls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Andre Russell | 2019 | 589 |
| 2 | Abhishek Sharma | 2026 | 651 |
| 3 | Dewald Brevis | 2025 | 653 |
| 4 | Chris Gayle | 2016 | 724 |
| 5 | Karanbir Singh | 2025 | 728 |
Also read: Watch: Saim Ayub does baby cradle celebration after dismissing Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in IND vs PAK
