Pakistan's Asia Cup 2025 campaign started with a bang as promising opener Saim Ayub was dismissed for a golden duck against Oman in Dubai. The wicket on the second ball of the innings left the spectators aghast and put Pakistan under pressure straight away. Shah Faisal provided the vital breakthrough for Oman, which set the stage for a thrilling Group A game. Deciding to bat first in the decisive group-stage match, Pakistan hoped their opening duo would lay a solid foundation. But the strategy was foiled within seconds. Ayub, against left-arm pacer Faisal, squatted low and tried a aggressive slog across the line to a full and straight ball. The bat barely made contact with the ball, and Ayub got hit on the back pad. The field umpire was quick to lift his finger. The ball hit the middle of the stumps right in front, making it one of the easiest leg-before-wicket calls ever. Contrary to the decision's clarity, Ayub opted for the Decision Review System (DRS). The action left most people, including pundits, startled, as replays reiterated that the ball would have struck the middle of the stumps without any variation. The review was quickly squandered, costing Pakistan an early test in the innings. Watch here: Oman open their account at #DPWorldAsiaCup2025 with a bang 💥Watch #PAKvOMAN, LIVE NOW on the Sony Sports Network TV channels & Sony LIV.#SonySportsNetwork #DPWorldAsiaCup2025 pic.twitter.com/XF7LqIAJ4y — Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) September 12, 2025 Also Read: 2025 Asia Cup ticket prices reduced after seats stayed unsold Faisal’s Brilliant Start Piles Pressure on Pakistan For Faisal, it was a start of dreams. Producing a vital breakthrough with his second delivery, he instilled confidence in Oman that they could unsettle a stronger-ranked team like Pakistan. His length and accuracy caused Ayub to play a hurried shot, one that reaffirmed how disciplined bowling yields results in T20 cricket. Faisal's celebration following the fall of the wicket served to underscore the value of the wicket for Oman. Bowling out a star batter like Ayub early on provided his team with a psychological advantage in the competition. His fall contributed to Pakistan's troubles, as their batting order came into the game hoping to overwhelm Oman. With senior stars Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan missing from the Asia Cup team, it is now left to up-and-comers like Ayub to stabilize the innings. His premature dismissal raised doubts about Pakistan's batting strength and their capacity to bounce back from adversity. The match, however, still had a lot left to see through. With captain Salman Ali Agha and seasoned campaigners such as Fakhar Zaman in the team, Pakistan will remain focused to bounce back in a hurry.