In the Asia Cup 2025 final between India and Pakistan, Sahibzada Farhan's explosive start was cut short by Varun Chakaravarthy, triggering a visible display of frustration from the Pakistani opener. Farhan, who had been India's "nemesis" in their previous Super Four clash, once again set a strong platform for Pakistan with a rapid half-century.
Pakistan, asked to bat first, needed a strong start, and Farhan took the initiative, unsettling the Indian bowlers early on. He raced to 57 off 38 balls, smashing four boundaries and three sixes at a strike rate of 150. Just as he looked set for a big score, he was dismissed by Chakaravarthy, much to his and the team's frustration.
The incident occurred on the fourth ball of the 10th over, after Farhan and Fakhar Zaman had built an 84-run opening partnership. Chakaravarthy bowled a googly that turned back into the right-handed Farhan, who attempted a pull shot but was caught by Tilak Varma at deep mid-wicket. Replays indicate it was a back-of-a-length delivery pitched at the stumps.
Visibly frustrated, Farhan slammed his bat onto the ground, a clear expression of his disappointment at not converting his start into a substantial innings. This reaction underscored his desire to contribute significantly to the team's total in the crucial final.
Earlier in his innings, Farhan had shown aggression, particularly against Jasprit Bumrah, hitting him for a boundary early in the fourth over and later smashing a six over long-off. He also took on Shivam Dube, dispatching him for a boundary over mid-on. However, he also experienced moments of discomfort, like when he squeezed a Bumrah yorker to mid-off and ran a single, with a direct hit narrowly missing the stumps.
Despite the strong opening partnership, India's spinners, including Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel, triggered a collapse in the middle overs. Kuldeep Yadav's three wickets in an over further derailed Pakistan's innings. After being 84/1, Pakistan then lost quick wickets, slumping to 134/8.
Chakaravarthy's success extended beyond Farhan's wicket, as he later dismissed Fakhar Zaman. Zaman, after hitting Chakaravarthy for a six over long-on, mistimed the next delivery and was caught by Kuldeep Yadav. Chakaravarthy's ability to outfox Zaman highlighted his importance in stifling Pakistan's batting lineup.
