Are you all watching the T20 World Cup 2024?
Many ups and downs happened in this T20 World Cup like Afghanistan reaching the semi-finals for the very first time. But luck is not on their side, as they have to return home after losing the semi-final.
Afghanistan vs. Bangladesh Match
In today’s article, let’s talk about a recent hilarious controversy involving Afghanistan all-rounder player Gubadin Naib that occurred in the Afghanistan vs. Bangladesh match. In this match, only Afghanistan’s victory would confirm their spot in the semi-finals against South Africa at the expense of Australia.
Effect Of Rainy Season
We all know the rainy season in this T20 World Cup proves beneficial or unfavourable for many teams. The same thing happened in the Afghanistan vs. Bangladesh match.
Gulbadin Injury
Bangladesh was struggling in their chase, having scored 81 runs for seven wickets in the 12th over against Afghanistan’s total of 115. At this point, Naib’s coach, Jonathan Trott (who used to play for England), signalled to his players from the boundary, suggesting they slow down the game. This was because it had started to rain, and they hoped the umpires would stop the match, which would lead to their win according to the DSL method.
At the last ball before the rain started, their player, Gulbadin, fielding at first, immediately slipped over while clutching his hamstring, illustrating cramp symptoms. He refused to play further, and medics were called for his immediate treatment.
The ball was not delivered, and rain had started. It can be an accident because many people thought it was a tactic to delay the match and secure their position in the semi-finals after defeating Bangladesh (according to the DSL method) if the rain didn’t stop.
Commentator Reaction
New Zealand former bowler Simon Doull also commented on this:
“Oh no, no, no, sorry. You can’t have this.” “I’m not accepting that. Even Rashid [Khan] doesn’t like it. It’s delay tactics. I get it, but I wouldn’t say I like that at all. It is unacceptable.”
Game Continuation And Afghanistan Win
But the game continued when the rain stopped and everyone returned to the field. One over was reduced, and the Bangladesh chasing target was reduced to 114. The match continued until Rashid Khan bowled his final over, and Gulbadin returned to the field. He bowled and took a wicket in his second bowl, followed by Naveen-al-Haq, also took two wickets to secure victory.
Afghanistan secured his seat, but many cricket fans find these cramps an excuse to delay the match.
Rashid Khan Comment
After the match, Rashid Khan also commented on this incident:
“Rain is something that’s not in your hand. It was on and off. Mentally, we were always there, having to play 20 overs and take ten wickets. That was the only way we could get to the semi-final. There was no other way,” he said. “Gulbadin had some cramps, I think. Hopefully, he will be all right. But that wicket that he gave us was a massive one at that stage.”
“Well, he [Naib] had some cramps; I don’t know what happened to him, and I don’t know what’s going on in social media, but that doesn’t matter—it’s just the on-field injury that comes, and then we haven’t lost any overs; the rain came and we just went off; it’s not something like a massive difference in the game. We came back on the field after five minutes, and there was no massive difference. For me, it’s just like if a small injury comes in, then you have to take some time.”
Conclusion
In their crucial match against Bangladesh, Gulbadin Naib’s sudden injury just before the rain led to accusations of delaying tactics. Despite the controversy, Afghanistan’s resilience shone through as they secured a historic spot in the semi-finals. Rashid Khan also defended Naib, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of cricket. This incident reflects the intense strategies and pressures teams face, but Afghanistan’s performance remains a testament to their growing prowess on the world stage.
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