Wasim Akram speechless after Pakistan batter caught sleepwalking while batting vs India; BCCI then rubs salt on wounds

The Asia Cup 2025 Super Four clash between India and Pakistan in Dubai turned into a spectacle of drama, disbelief, and digital trolling as Pakistan’s Mohammad Nawaz was run out in one of the most bizarre moments in recent cricket history. The incident left legendary pacer Wasim Akram “speechless” on live commentary, while the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) added fuel to the fire with a cheeky social media post that sent fans into a frenzy.

The moment unfolded in the 19th over of Pakistan’s innings, with Nawaz at the non-striker’s end and Salman Agha facing Jasprit Bumrah. A full toss from Bumrah deflected off Agha’s pad and rolled toward backward square leg. As the Indian fielders scrambled, Nawaz appeared to be in a trance, walking slowly toward the striker’s end without any urgency. Suryakumar Yadav, alert as ever, collected the throw and hit the stumps with Nawaz well short of his crease. The batter’s lack of awareness stunned commentators and fans alike.

Wasim Akram, who was on air during the incident, couldn’t hide his frustration. “I am speechless with the presence of mind as far as Nawaz is concerned,” he said, his voice tinged with disbelief. The former Pakistan captain, known for his sharp cricketing intellect, later elaborated that such moments reflect a deeper issue in Pakistan’s cricketing culture—lack of focus, fitness, and mental preparedness.

The run-out wasn’t just a turning point in the match—it became a viral moment. Within minutes, BCCI’s official social media handle posted a still image of Nawaz walking aimlessly, captioned with a cryptic emoji and the phrase “Sleep mode: Activated.” The post, though subtle, was interpreted as a dig at Pakistan’s performance and Nawaz’s lapse in concentration. It garnered millions of views and thousands of retweets, with Indian fans celebrating the moment as symbolic of their dominance.

Pakistan’s innings had already been underwhelming. After a promising start, they faltered in the middle overs, losing wickets at regular intervals. Nawaz’s dismissal added insult to injury, and Faheem Ashraf’s brief cameo couldn’t salvage the innings. Pakistan finished with 171/5 in their 20 overs, a total that looked below par given India’s batting firepower.

India’s chase was clinical. Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill continued their dream run, stitching together a 105-run opening partnership. Sharma’s 74 off 39 balls and Gill’s 47 off 28 ensured India cruised to a six-wicket win with seven balls to spare. The victory not only secured India’s top spot in the Super Four table but also deepened Pakistan’s woes, both on and off the field.

Match Breakdown: IND vs PAK – Asia Cup 2025 Super Four

Pakistan’s Batting Performance vs India

Wasim Akram’s post-match comments were even more scathing. “It’s tough to watch Pakistan play like this. We’ve been outplayed in every department over the last few years. The talent is there, but the application is missing,” he said. His words echoed the sentiments of millions of Pakistani fans who have grown increasingly frustrated with their team’s inconsistency.

The incident also sparked debate among cricket analysts. Some blamed Nawaz’s lapse on fatigue and pressure, while others pointed to a lack of accountability within the team. Former players like Shoaib Akhtar and Ramiz Raja weighed in, calling for a complete overhaul of Pakistan’s approach to T20 cricket.

Meanwhile, BCCI’s social media team continued to ride the wave of engagement. Their post was followed by a series of cryptic emojis and subtle jabs, including a GIF of a sleeping panda and a caption that read “Dreams are made on the field, not off it.” While the posts didn’t name any player directly, the timing and context made the target clear.

India’s dominance in the Asia Cup 2025 has been comprehensive. With wins over Oman and Pakistan, and an upcoming clash against Bangladesh, the Men in Blue look poised to reach the final. Their net run rate of +0.689 reflects their superiority, and the team’s unity and aggression have been praised by pundits across the board.

Pakistan, on the other hand, faces an uphill battle. Their next match against Sri Lanka is a must-win, and questions loom over team selection, captaincy, and strategy. Salman Agha, who took over the reins this year, has struggled to inspire confidence, and the dressing room appears divided.

Asia Cup 2025 Super Four Standings (as of Sep 22)

The Nawaz run-out will likely be remembered as one of the defining moments of the tournament—not just for its absurdity but for what it revealed about the mental state of the Pakistani team. In high-pressure games, awareness and urgency are non-negotiable. Nawaz’s lapse was a reminder that even the smallest error can have outsized consequences.

As the tournament progresses, India’s confidence continues to soar, while Pakistan must regroup quickly to salvage their campaign. The clash between the two nations was more than just a cricket match—it was a reflection of preparation, mindset, and execution. And in all three departments, India emerged far superior.

Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available match footage, commentary, and post-match analysis. It does not represent any political or national bias. All quotes are attributed to public figures as per media coverage. The content is intended for editorial and informational purposes only.