Sanju Samson endured another disappointing outing as India suffered back-to-back blows against Pakistan in the Asian Games 2026 gold medal match at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin on October 3. India had already lost teenage opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for 15 after Saim Ayub provided Pakistan with the breakthrough. Ayub celebrated the dismissal with a baby cradle gesture before Pakistan struck again, this time through Ahmed Daniyal.

Daniyal dismissed Samson in the fourth over of India’s innings, ending the wicketkeeper-batter’s brief stay at the crease. Samson managed only 2 runs from four deliveries as Pakistan quickly put pressure on the Indian batting lineup.

The dismissal came after Daniyal bowled a short delivery that cramped Samson for room. The right-hander attempted to pull the ball but failed to find the middle of the bat. Instead, the ball ballooned towards mid-on, where Arafat Minhas completed a straightforward catch.

WATCH – Saim Ayub’s Baby Creaddle Celebration After Dismissing Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Samson appeared visibly disappointed as he walked back to the dugout. Having entered the high-pressure India vs Pakistan final with expectations of making an impact, the Kerala batter could not convert his opportunity into a substantial score.

Sanju Samson departs early, Pakistan gets their 2nd pic.twitter.com/1xxk7qvtkG

— PctMedia (@PctMediaa) October 3, 2026

Despite the two early wickets, India had made a rapid start to the innings. Saad Masood’s expensive opening over had allowed India to gather momentum, with the debutant conceding 24 runs. India reached 43 runs after three overs and completed their fastest T20I team fifty against Pakistan in just 3.2 overs.

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However, Pakistan’s successive breakthroughs changed the momentum. After Sooryavanshi’s dismissal, Samson’s early exit gave Pakistan another opening as India looked to rebuild their innings in the Asian Games final.