Former all-rounder Irfan Pathan made an accurate on-air prediction during India’s first Asia Cup 2025 match against the United Arab Emirates at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Even before Jasprit Bumrah delivered the ball, Pathan predicted a yorker, which the ace bowler performed flawlessly, smashing opener Alishan Sharafu’s stumps.
India, led by skipper Suryakumar Yadav, eventually ended its 15-match losing record at the toss and chose to field first. Sharafu and Muhammad Waseem of the UAE got off to a good start, blasting boundaries off Hardik Pandya and putting the Indian bowlers under pressure. But, in his second over of the powerplay, star sprinter Bumrah delivered his signature yorker to draw the first blood.
When Bumrah came in to bowl, Irfan Pathan, on commentary, read the situation wonderfully and projected a yorker, which the 31-year-old delivered perfectly seconds later.
“This is a big over, this could be the Indian team’s comeback over. That is the reason they have handed Jasprit Bumrah another over in the powerplay. One more slower one, he is trying to set the batter. But whenever Bumrah is in full rhythm, he goes for a yorker. And he definitely has gone for it. Spoke about the yorker and he has produced one. What the situation required, Bumrah made sure to deliver, and what a brilliant yorker it is,” Pathan said on air.
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Pathan Saab saw it coming… Bumrah made it happen! 🎙️🔥
Watch #DPWorldAsiaCup2025 from Sept 9-28, LIVE on the Sony Sports Network TV Channels & Sony LIV.#SonySportsNetwork | @IrfanPathan pic.twitter.com/tqRNFZyTOF
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) September 10, 2025
India produces their fastest-ever T20I chase
The UAE opener walked back after adding 22 runs to the tally. The breakthrough triggered the UAE’s collapse, as the team was bundled out for just 57 in 13.1 overs. Kuldeep Yadav was the pick of the bowlers, bagging four wickets for seven runs, while Shivam Dube chipped in with three. Varun Chakravarthy and Axar Patel also contributed, as the UAE registered the lowest-ever T20I total against India.
India’s chase began with openers Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill smashing 48 runs inside four overs. Abhishek’s quickfire 30 was followed by Gill and Suryakumar finishing off the target in just 4.3 overs, handing the Men in Blue a nine-wicket win with 93 balls to spare, their fastest-ever T20I chase.
India
