India’s Asia Cup 2025 opener against the United Arab Emirates at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium had a moment of sheer brilliance, both on and off the field. Former all-rounder Irfan Pathan, now in the commentary box, stunned viewers with a spot-on prediction. Just before Jasprit Bumrah released the ball, Pathan called a yorker—and in trademark fashion, Bumrah delivered the perfect toe-crusher that sent opener Alishan Sharafu’s stumps flying.
The match began with a rare win at the toss for India, as skipper Suryakumar Yadav chose to field first, ending the team’s 15-match losing streak at the coin flip. UAE’s openers Sharafu and Muhammad Waseem initially looked promising, taking on Hardik Pandya and finding early boundaries.
But Bumrah’s fiery second over in the powerplay turned the tide. Pathan, analyzing the situation, noted that Bumrah was setting up the batter and hinted a yorker was coming. Seconds later, the ball thundered in and shattered Sharafu’s stumps, leaving Pathan’s call looking prophetic.
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“That’s the brilliance of Bumrah,” Irfan Pathan said on air. “Whenever he’s in rhythm, he goes for the yorker, and he nailed it when India needed it most.”
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
Sharafu departed after a quick 22, and from there, UAE’s innings unraveled. Kuldeep Yadav was sensational, claiming 4 for 7, while Shivam Dube chipped in with three wickets. Axar Patel and Varun Chakravarthy also struck as UAE folded for just 57 in 13.1 overs—their lowest-ever T20I total against India.
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India’s chase was nothing short of explosive. Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill smashed 48 runs in the first four overs, with Abhishek firing a rapid 30. Gill, alongside skipper Suryakumar, polished off the target in just 4.3 overs. India sealed a dominant nine-wicket win with 93 balls remaining, registering their fastest T20I chase in history.
