[WATCH]: Fakhar Zaman And Rizwan’s Blunder Results In A Comedic Sequence As Pakistan Misses An Easy Run Out Chance

A lapse in judgment in the first ODI between Pakistan and Afghanistan led to a comedic moment, with Pakistan missing a glaring chance to run out Ikram Alikhil. Fakhar Zaman and wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan both fumbled a straightforward opportunity for dismissal.

When Ikram lightly tapped a delivery from Naseem Shah towards the covers and started running for a single, non-striker Rahmanullah Gurbaz briefly considered taking the run. However, he promptly recognized there was no chance and decisively rejected the single.

However, by that point, Ikram had covered a significant distance down the pitch, and Fakhar Zaman gauged that he had sufficient time to approach the stumps and attempt an underarm throw. Regrettably, the fielder missed all three stumps, and as Mohammad Rizwan hurried towards the striker’s end, he couldn’t gather the ball and remove the bails on time.

Here’s the sequence of events that unfolded in this comical series of mistakes:

Pakistan!
.

.#AFGvPAK pic.twitter.com/UKV17FhvmK

— FanCode (@FanCode) August 22, 2023

Haris Rauf contributes to Pakistan’s resounding victory over Afghanistan

After Pakistan’s innings folded for a mere 201, it appeared that Afghanistan’s spinners had created an opportunity for their team to upset the strong Asian side. However, the situation took a different turn as the pace attack, led by Haris Rauf, took control under the floodlights.

While Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah displayed exceptional skills, it was Haris who emerged as the standout bowler, claiming five wickets and reducing Afghanistan to a meagre total of 59 runs. Considering the successful exploits of the fast bowlers on a pitch initially thought to favour spin, their ability to pose a threat to any adversary in various conditions remains intact.

Babar Azam, Pakistan skipper said after the win as quoted by Cricbuzz: “At the toss, felt the wicket was a bit dry. We lost wickets upfront and then Imam and Iftikhar played a good hand in getting us to a decent total. We just tried to hit the hard length with the ball and build more dot balls in the powerplay. We all know what Shaheen can do with the new ball. The way Haris Rauf bowled, that spell was game-changing. I always try my level best (as a batter and captain), sometimes you win and sometimes you lose, it happens in the game of cricket. We want to stay positive.”

---

Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.