In a heart-stopping encounter, the second One Day International (ODI) of the three-match series between Afghanistan and Pakistan unfolded in Hambantota on Thursday. The match, reminiscent of last year’s Asia Cup, left fans on the edge of their seats as Naseem’s last-ball heroics propelled Pakistan to a nail-biting one-wicket victory over Afghanistan.
Naseem’s astonishing four on the second-to-last ball of the game drew immediate parallels to a similar situation in the previous year’s Asia Cup, further cementing his reputation as a clutch performer. The tense battle, however, was marred by an unexpected turn of events during the post-match ritual of shaking hands.
As emotions ran high, Pakistan’s left-arm pacer, Shaheen Afridi, notably refrained from participating in the customary handshake with Afghan players. This action caught the attention of Pakistan’s skipper, Babar Azam, who exhibited leadership and sportsmanship by calling Shaheen back and encouraging him to engage in the handshake tradition.
Babar’s gesture underscored his commitment to maintaining a sense of camaraderie despite the intense on-field competition. However, the tensions seemed to linger beyond the handshake moment. Another incident unfolded when Pakistan’s pacer, Naseem Shah, appeared to approach Babar with visible outrage.
The specific reasons behind Naseem’s complaint remained shrouded in mystery, leaving fans and pundits speculating about the potential triggers. Shortly after his exchange with Naseem, Babar himself engaged in a conversation with Afghanistan’s star all-rounder, Mohammad Nabi. While the content of these conversations remains undisclosed, rumors circulate that controversial decisions made during the match, including the debatable run-out of Shadab Khan towards the match’s conclusion, might have fueled Naseem’s frustration.
The second ODI between the arch-rivals brought a stark contrast to the series opener. Afghanistan’s right-handed batter, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, stole the spotlight with his remarkable performance, crafting an impressive innings of 151 runs that garnered admiration from all corners of the cricketing world.
The final ODI is at an all-time high. Scheduled for Friday in Colombo, this match will undoubtedly be a fitting finale to an enthralling series. Following the ODI series, both Afghanistan and Pakistan will turn their focus to the upcoming Asia Cup, set to commence on August 30. As cricket enthusiasts hold their breath, one can only hope that the passion and talent showcased on the field are mirrored by a spirit of sportsmanship and mutual respect off the field.
