Pakistan finally found relief in the ninth over as Saim Ayub removed India’s most dangerous batter, Ishan Kishan, who returned to the pavilion after a commanding 77.
Kishan had earlier put Pakistan under severe pressure with a fearless display of strokeplay. After India were asked to bat first, the left-hander took charge following the early dismissal of Abhishek Sharma, counter-attacking from the outset and punishing loose deliveries across the ground.
Pakistan tried several bowling options but struggled to contain him. Shaheen Afridi was hit for a six on his first ball, Abrar Ahmed was driven for successive boundaries, and Shadab Khan endured a costly over that went for 17 runs. Kishan reached his half-century with back-to-back fours and looked set for something bigger.
Just as India appeared to be running away with the momentum, Saim Ayub delivered the breakthrough Pakistan desperately needed. Kishan’s dismissal not only ended a threatening innings but also brought renewed energy into the fielding side.
