Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has come out in support of young opener Saim Ayub after the 23-year-old registered his third duck in the Asia Cup 2025. Latif said Ayub is simply going through a rough patch and needs the backing of the team and fans.
Pakistan defeated the United Arab Emirates by 41 runs in Dubai on Wednesday to set up a big clash against arch-rivals India in the ‘Super 4’ stage. But once again, Ayub’s poor form with the bat continued as he was dismissed without scoring.
Using a strong phrase to describe Ayub’s misfortune, Latif said: “Kabhi kabaar aisa hota hai, banda oont pad baitha haiaur kutta kaat jata hai, uske saath yahi ho raha hai [Sometimes it happens, the guy is sitting on a camel and a dog bites him anyhow].”
Explaining the nature of his dismissals, Latif added: “Woh kaha par catch hokar out ho gaya… kabhi yu maara toh out hogaya, kabhi aise mara toh out ho gaya. Bura time aata haisabka. Bade match me kissi me fodega. ya toh phoot jaega yaphod dega [He is getting out playing different shots. Bad phases come for everyone. He is in the team for his bowling currently. But he will explode in big games].”
Ayub has now fallen for zero against Oman, India, and the UAE in this competition. However, his right-arm spin has been valuable for Pakistan. In three matches, he has taken six wickets—two against Oman, three against India, and one against the UAE.
With the win over the UAE, Pakistan secured their place in the Super 4 stage, finishing the group with two wins from three matches and a strong net run rate of +1.790.
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