Saim Ayub’s gesture after dismissing Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (Screengrab/X)
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was looking in fine touch during the Asian Games 2026 final between India and Pakistan before his promising stay at the crease was cut short by Saim Ayub. The 15-year-old Indian opener had raced to 15 off just nine deliveries, including two sixes, as India made a brisk start after opting to bat first. The moment immediately stood out after the dismissal of the 15-year-old, adding an extra edge to an already high-profile India-Pakistan final. India (Playing XI): Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson(w), Shreyas Iyer(c), Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Jasprit Bumrah Pakistan (Playing XI): Sahibzada Farhan(c), Maaz Sadaqat, Usman Khan(w), Saim Ayub, Hasan Nawaz, Abdul Samad, Arafat Minhas, Ahmed Daniyal, Saad Masood, Abrar Ahmed, Sufyan Moqim Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news , check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule .
Shreyas Iyer won the won the toss and elected to bat first against Pakistan. However, it was Ayub’s reaction after the dismissal that quickly grabbed attention. But Ayub produced the breakthrough when he pushed one quicker and just outside off. Sooryavanshi attempted a reverse sweep and the ball went through to the wicketkeeper after a difficult catch, with Usman Khan eventually holding on after a couple of fumbles. Join conversation Share your thoughts in the comments Be respectful · TOI community guidelines As Sooryavanshi walked back, Ayub turned towards the youngster and made a pointed send-off gesture. Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.