- Pakistan clinches thrilling one-wicket victory in dramatic ODI.
- Tensions flare as players engage in post-match handshake and confrontations.
- Controversial decisions and outstanding performances add intrigue to the series.
In a thrilling second One Day International (ODI) of a three-match series between Afghanistan and Pakistan in Hambantota, tension ran high as emotions flared on the cricket field. The game concluded in dramatic fashion as Naseem’s last-ball heroics, reminiscent of last year’s Asia Cup, propelled Pakistan to a nail-biting one-wicket victory, leaving spectators on the edge of their seats.
However, post-match traditions took an unexpected turn when Pakistan’s left-arm pacer, Shaheen Afridi, initially refrained from shaking hands with the Afghan players. In a display of leadership and sportsmanship, Pakistan’s skipper, Babar Azam, affectionately called Shaheen back and encouraged him to join in the handshake, emphasizing the importance of camaraderie despite the intense encounter.
Let's relive this again pic.twitter.com/SBRu1oM0si
— f (@fas___m) August 24, 2023
Yet, the tensions didn’t dissipate there. Another episode unfolded when Pakistan’s pacer Naseem Shah approached Babar, seemingly filled with anger and frustration. Naseem voiced his concerns to Babar, although the exact nature of the complaint remains undisclosed. Subsequently, Babar himself engaged in a conversation with Afghanistan’s star all-rounder, Mohammad Nabi, further shrouding the incident in mystery.
Speculations point toward a few controversial decisions, including Shadab Khan’s contentious run-out toward the end of the match, as potential triggers for Naseem’s complaint and the ensuing exchanges between the players.
The second ODI in this series marked a significant departure from the opener, with Afghanistan’s right-handed batter, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, stealing the spotlight with an impressive 151-run innings. As the series heads toward its conclusion with the final ODI scheduled for Friday in Colombo, tensions are sure to add intrigue to the forthcoming matches. Additionally, both teams are set to participate in the Asia Cup commencing on August 30, promising more high-stakes cricket encounters in the near future.
Also, see:
Top BCCI officials to visit Pakistan for Asia Cup 2023
