Ayub’s quick off outside off turned the tide when he dismissed 15‑year‑old opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for 15 off 9, after two sixes. The wicket came in the 12th over, just as India were consolidating a brisk start after winning the toss.
Sooryavanshi smashed two sixes in his first nine balls, but a reverse sweep to the wicketkeeper sealed his fate. Usman Khan had to scramble to catch the ball, missing it twice before finally holding it.
The wicket rattled the Indian top‑order and gave Pakistan a psychological edge. With the score now 15 for 1, India must regroup as Pakistan’s bowlers look to maintain pressure.
After walking back, Ayub flashed a pointed send‑off gesture to the 15‑year‑old, igniting social media buzz. Fans in the stadium erupted, and the moment was replayed across platforms.
India’s batting line‑up now faces Pakistan’s attack in the remainder of the final, a high‑scoring showdown where every wicket counts.