Watch: Mohammad Nawaz abuses Suryakumar Yadav for his own fault

Left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz provided an unintentionally funny moment during the India-Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 clash in Dubai. The Pakistan bowler failed to grab a straightforward return catch from Tilak Varma off his own bowling in the one-sided contest, and the video quickly went viral on social media.

The Indian bowlers dominated from the start after Pakistan chose to bat first, maintaining pressure throughout the innings. Kuldeep Yadav picked up 3 wickets for 18 runs in four overs, while Axar Patel and Jasprit Bumrah chipped in with two wickets each. Pakistan could manage only 127/9 in their 20 overs.

Watch: Mohammad Nawaz Makes Mess of Easy Catch in Asia Cup Clash

The incident took place in the 12th over of India’s chase. Tilak Varma punched a delivery from Mohammad Nawaz straight back to the bowler. Nawaz made a comedy of errors as he fumbled once, twice, and then a third time before the ball completely slipped away in his follow-through.

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The left-arm spinner even made a desperate fourth attempt but still failed to hold on. Tilak had a wry smile at the crop catch, while Nawaz cursed himself in frustration.

Suryakumar Yadav, who was at the non-striker’s end, reacted quickly to avoid a possible runout and signaled Tilak to stay careful. Nawaz fumbling multiple times went viral on social media, leaving fans in splits.

Looked simple… until the ball turned lava 🤭

Watch #INDvPAK LIVE NOW on the Sony Sports Network TV channels & Sony LIV.#SonySportsNetwork #DPWorldAsiaCup2025 pic.twitter.com/wVztsgkJv3

— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) September 14, 2025

Tilak failed to capitalize on the lifeline. He added only a single run after the drop catch and was dismissed in the very next over. The left-handed batter scored 31 runs off 31 balls, including two fours and one six.

India’s Bowlers Restrict Pakistan to 127/9 in 20 Overs

Earlier, Hardik Pandya dismissed Saim Ayub for a duck in the first over. He later took a fine catch to help Jasprit Bumrah remove Mohammad Haris in the second over. The early breakthroughs set the tone, leaving Pakistan’s batters under pressure.

The spinners then restricted Pakistan’s scoring opportunities. Kuldeep Yadav was the pick of the bowlers for the Men in Blue. Axar Patel chipped in with 2/18, while Varun Chakaravarthy added 1/24.

The spin trio bowled as many as 40 dot balls. Jasprit Bumrah finished with figures of 2/28, including 15 dot deliveries. Sahibzada Farhan was the top scorer for Pakistan with 40 runs.

Shaheen Afridi brought some spark to Pakistan’s innings in the final overs. The left-handed batter smashed an unbeaten 33 off just 16 balls, including four sixes. His late cameo lifted Pakistan to a total of 127/9 in the allotted 20 overs.

I Had My Plans and Executed Them - Kuldeep Yadav

Kuldeep Yadav, named Player of the Match, credited his success to sticking with simple plans. Yadav emphasized that he executes every first delivery as a wicket-taking ball.

"Simple. Just execute the plans. Just see who is batting and react accordingly. I had my plans and executed them. First ball is always wicket-taking ball, just have to go with that mindset and execute that wicket-taking ball. Batter maybe set but he's facing me for the first time. Still feel I really need to work on my bowling. Sometimes I feel I use too many variations," Kuldeep said.

Also read: Gautam Gambhir doubles down on India's No Handshake stance; warns Pakistan of further humiliation