In a tense Asia Cup Super 4 clash against Bangladesh, Pakistan produced a comical fielding error, missing a “golden opportunity” for a run-out despite both opposition batters ending up at the same end.
September 26, 2025: The high-stakes Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 match between Pakistan and Bangladesh on Thursday ended in a thrilling way, but not without some classic Pakistani cricket drama. Pakistan was able to defend a record-low total in Dubai, but a shocking “brain-fade” moment on the field almost ruined their chances of making it to the final and gave everyone a lot of memes to work with.
The Mistake That Almost Lost the Game
The event took place on the first ball of the fifth over, which was bowled by Shaheen Afridi, who would go on to win the Man of the Match award. After a defensive shot toward the backward point area, Bangladesh hitters got into a messy mix-up that fielder Saim Ayub skillfully cut off. The mix-up caused both batters to wind up at the same end of the pitch, giving Pakistan a great chance to run out without any competition.
Ayub immediately threw the ball to the bowler’s end, but fans couldn’t believe it when there was no one present to back up the toss. The non-striker, realizing the mayhem, was able to run back to the safety of his crease. This left the Pakistan camp in shock and the internet ready with jokes. The break in focus, which should have led to an easy wicket, showed the kinds of fielding mistakes that often happen to the national team.
Shaheen Afridi Saves the Day
Pakistan’s bowlers kept their cool and won a crucial match, keeping Bangladesh to 124/9 while defending a small mark of 136.
Pacer Shaheen Afridi was the hero of the day. He took three important wickets for just 17 runs in his four overs, showing off his great form. His play was very important in keeping Bangladesh from winning and helping Pakistan win.
Shaheen remarked after the match, “I will give this award to my beautiful wife and son who are here.” “You need to break through early. The powerplay was different because of those three overs. I was working on the ball that went slower. It turned out fine most of the time.
A Record Defense
The win not only got them into the Asia Cup final, but it also set a record in the tournament’s history. Pakistan’s successful defense of 135 runs is the lowest by a full-member team in a T20I in Dubai. The previous record was 144 runs established by New Zealand against Pakistan in 2018.
In the end, Pakistan’s bowlers and Shaheen Afridi’s heroics made sure that the fielding mistake stayed a viral footnote instead of a terrible conclusion to their Asia Cup campaign.