Afghanistan edged out Bangladesh in their Super 8 encounter, a win that sent Australia packing from the T20 World Cup 2024. However, it wasn’t just the victory that grabbed headlines but also Afghanistan’s controversial tactics during the game.
Gulbadin Naib’s Injury Drama
During the twelfth over of Bangladesh’s innings, Afghanistan held a slim two-run lead under the DLS system when rain started to fall. Sensing an opportunity, coach Jonathan Trott signalled to his players to slow things down, which prompted Gulbadin Naib to go down on the field with a ‘fake’ hamstring injury, causing the umpires to stop play.
This pause was crucial as if the game had been halted for good, Afghanistan would have advanced to the semi-finals thanks to their lead on the DLS system.
The rain, however, was brief, and play resumed. Afghanistan ultimately bowled out Bangladesh for 105 runs, securing their spot in the semi-finals.
Although the game wasn’t decided by Gulbadin’s antics, his actions certainly sparked controversy and displeasure, particularly among Australian players.
Fans and Ex-Cricketers’ Reaction
Australia’s spinner Adam Zampa sarcastically referred to Naib’s actions as the “old rainstring,” implying it was more strategic than an actual injury.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan chimed in on social media, humorously congratulating Naib for becoming the “first cricketer to take a wicket 25 minutes after being shot.”
Rashid Khan, speaking to Simon Doull post-match, downplayed the incident, suggesting that Naib was merely cramping and should be fine for the semi-finals.
“Gulbadin had some cramp, I think. Hopefully, he will be alright. But that wicket he got us was massive at that stage,” Rashid commented.
Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin humorously suggested that Naib should have received a red card, similar to football rules. “Red card for Gulbadin Naib,” he posted.
Fans, on the other hand, had mixed reactions. Some praised Naib for doing whatever it took to help his team win, while others criticized the sportsmanship of the tactic.
The Bigger Picture
While Gulbadin Naib’s actions didn’t decide the match, they certainly added a layer of drama and controversy. The incident highlights the fine line between strategic gameplay and sportsmanship. As Afghanistan moves forward in the tournament, the eyes of the cricketing world will undoubtedly remain on them, eager to see how they perform—and how they play the game.
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