- Mar 4, 2024
- Nov 2, 2022
Javed Miandad, a member of the 1992 World Cup-winning side, came down heavily on the Afghanistan team for showing “bad behaviour” during a Super Four match against Pakistan in the Asia Cup.
During the match on September 7, a drama unfolded in the penultimate over of Pakistan’s batting innings amid a tense chase. Pakistan’s Asif Ali, who was batting on 16, miscued one, which resulted in his departure in the fifth ball of the 19th over.
While leaving the field, Asif walked to wicket taker Fareed Ahmad, who was in full celebration. Asif then picked up his bat and threatened to hit the bowler and finally hit him with his elbow. This prompted Fareed’s teammates to jump in and separate the two.
“Pakistan played well but I’m disappointed with the team [Afghanistan] they defeated. Just because their behaviour is so bad nowadays. We brought them into the picture, they used to practice in Pakistan. And now, just see their language. How older are they? They haven’t played that much cricket, have they lost their minds?” Miandad said.
“Pakistan have been playing the game for 20 years now. They came here and learned the game. I’m the witness because I coached them. But I was baffled to see how they behaved as if they were superstars. Your cricket is nothing. Learn how to play the game. There are numerous aspects of cricket. If you are sincere, humble and give respect [to each other], your game will get better. Warna is tareeke se tum lafootas cricket kheloge,” he added.
it seemed Afghanistan were cruising to victory, with Pakistan being nine wickets down and still needing 12 runs off seven balls. However, Naseem Shah took a single off the final ball of the 19th over to retain the strike in the last over. This oversight by the umpires proved costly for Afghanistan.
In the 20th over Fazalhaq Farooqi bowled a full toss, which Naseem dispatched for a six. With five needed off as many balls, Naseem did a repeat and smashed another full toss for a six which took Pakistan into the final of the Asia Cup with a one-wicket win.