Advertisement

As an athlete, you just can’t get away from the public criticism after a poor showing in a game which could have easily been in your kitty. For the Afghanistan captain, Gulbadin Naib, it is his turn to be in the midst of it all.

Afghanistan's bowling brilliance was in show after Pakistan’s top order had no answer to the spinning wizardry – except for Rashid Khan. Thus, Pakistan's plan of attacking the Afghan pacers was very much obvious. And after a brilliant performance with the ball early in the innings, which made it all up for their horrific showing with the bat, it was all down to the final over, with Pakistan needing six runs from as many deliveries.

In the scenario, Naib came into the action and his return has left the fans wondering whether he is worthy of the task he was given just ahead of the World Cup. Naib started his final over with an inviting full toss outside off which was followed by a missed run-out opportunity. Another full toss in the same region a delivery later prompted Imad Wasim to hit the pacer through cover for four. And that was it, the game was lost.

Former captain Asghar Afghan did everything in his power to limit the game through their reach, but an over from the Afghanistan captain was all Pakistan were waiting for in the end.

As for the fans, they were left fuming with the skipper’s return of 15 runs with the bat and 73 runs in 9.4 overs with the ball. This is how they are reacting:

Feature image courtesy: Twitter / ICC

Advertisement