Saim Ayub Triggers Middle-Order Collapse to Stifle India in Colombo

COLOMBO – While India arrived at the R. Premadasa Stadium prepared to counter the mystery spin of Usman Tariq, it was Saim Ayub who dismantled the Indian middle order in Sunday’s high-stakes T20 World Cup clash. Ayub’s figures of 3 for 25 in four overs proved decisive, snapping a dangerous partnership and dismissing danger man Hardik Pandya for a golden duck just as India looked to accelerate.

The Turning Point: Ayub’s Triple Strike

Ayub’s introduction changed the complexion of an innings that Ishan Kishan had dominated. The off-spinner first removed Kishan, who had anchored the Indian innings, before returning to land a double blow in the 15th over.

Tilak Varma, looking to shift gears after scoring 25 off 24 balls, attempted to sweep Ayub but was beaten by the trajectory, losing his wicket at a critical juncture. The most significant moment of the spell followed immediately. Hardik Pandya, attempting to assert dominance from his first delivery, misread a well-disguised carrom ball. The delivery took a thick outside edge as Pandya aimed for a lofted shot, resulting in a catch at long-off. This golden duck reduced India to 126 for 4 in 14.3 overs, effectively stalling their momentum.

Ayub came close to a hat-trick against Shivam Dube. He bowled a delivery with significant loop and dip that pitched on leg and turned past Dube’s defense, bouncing just over the stumps. Pakistan reviewed for a caught behind, but replays confirmed no contact.

Ishan Kishan’s Counter-Attack

Before the middle-order collapse, Ishan Kishan produced an aggressive knock of 77 runs off 40 balls. Recovering from the early loss of Abhishek Sharma—who recorded his second consecutive duck of the tournament—Kishan ensured the run rate remained healthy.

Kishan reached his half-century in just 27 balls, securing the milestone with a boundary off Abrar Ahmed in the seventh over. This innings places him among the fastest scorers in the history of the India vs Pakistan rivalry.

Fastest 50s in India-Pakistan T20Is

Tactical Analysis: Spin Dominance

The surface in Colombo offered grip for the slower bowlers, a factor Pakistan exploited during the powerplay. For only the 13th time in T20 World Cup history, a team utilized five overs of spin within the first six overs. This strategy stifled the Indian openers early, contributing to Abhishek Sharma’s dismissal.

Pre-match proceedings saw a continuation of strained diplomatic protocols on the field. India captain Suryakumar Yadav did not shake hands with Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha at the toss, maintaining a stance first observed during the Asia Cup in Dubai.