Pakistan all-rounder Saim Ayub produced a memorable moment during the Asian Games 2026 final match after dismissing young Indian batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Saim Ayub celebrated the early breakthrough with a baby cradle gesture, adding extra spice to the high-profile clash at Korogi Sports Park.
India won the toss and opted to bat first at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin on Saturday, October 3. They retained the same XI that defeated Sri Lanka in the semi-final, while Pakistan brought Saad Masood into the side in place of Mohammad Wasim Jr. There were no handshakes between the two captains before the match.
Saim Ayub Mocks Vaibhav Sooryavanshi With Baby Cradle Celebration
Pakistan made their first breakthrough in the third over when Saim Ayub dismissed Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for 15 off nine balls. The young opener attempted a reverse sweep against a delivery that turned and bounced outside off before brushing his glove.
Usman Khan completed the catch behind the stumps. He initially fumbled the ball, which popped up off his chest before he juggled it a couple more times and eventually held on. After the dismissal, Saim Ayub celebrated with a baby cradle gesture towards the 15-year-old Indian batter.
Sooryavanshi’s dismissal gave Pakistan an early opening after India opted to bat first. The teenager had struck two sixes in his nine-ball stay but could not convert his aggressive start into a substantial score.
Sooryavanshi gone for 15, and Saim Ayub hits back with the Baby celebration 😭😂🔥 pic.twitter.com/r2xAfnwZeM
— Mian Ahmad (@MianAhmad_56) October 3, 2026
India Make Fast Start Despite Sanju Samson's Early Dismissal
India got off to a flying start despite the ball holding up slightly on the surface. The first over produced only four runs, but the momentum changed immediately when debutant Saad Masood came on to bowl.
Masood conceded 24 runs in his opening over as both Indian openers attacked him. He surpassed Saeed Ajmal’s previous mark of 22 runs conceded in an India-Pakistan T20I in Ahmedabad in 2012. Yuvraj Singh smashed three consecutive sixes in Ajmal’s over.
India reached 43 runs after three overs despite losing a wicket. Ahmed Daniyal then struck in his first over to dismiss Sanju Samson, who scored 2. Samson mistimed a short-of-length delivery while attempting to force it through the off side, skying the ball towards mid-on, where Arafat Minhas completed the catch.
India still completed their fastest T20I team fifty against Pakistan, reaching the landmark in 3.2 overs. However, Pakistan missed two opportunities in the fifth over when Saim Ayub dropped catches from Abhishek Sharma and Shreyas Iyer.
Ishan Kishan Highlights Pride and Pressure of Representing India
India batter Ishan Kishan spoke about the unique feeling of representing the country ahead of the final. He said playing for India comes with huge expectations and the support of millions of fans. Kishan also acknowledged the pressure of playing at the international level.
“Representing India isn't just about being associated with the BCCI - it's always about something much bigger. There are so many expectations, so many plans in motion, and millions of people cheering for you. You feel that intense pride inside, even if you don't always show it externally. It really is a unique feeling.”
“Even though we have a world-class squad with fantastic batters and bowlers, there is still that extra weight of pressure whenever you perform for the country. Cricket can change in an instant. You step out to bat, face one good ball, and the entire momentum of the match shifts. You have to be completely switched on, read the pitch, understand what the team requires, and execute your plan.”
Also read: Jay Shah to present medals as Mohsin Naqvi to miss India vs Pakistan Asian Games 2026 final
