Javed Miandad, a member of the 1992 World Cup-winning aspect, criticised Afghanistan crew for exhibiting “bad behaviour” throughout a Super Four match towards Pakistan within the Asia Cup.
During the match on September 7, a drama unfolded within 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 within the fifth ball of the nineteenth over.
While leaving the sector, Asif walked to wicket taker Fareed Ahmad, who was celebrating the dismissal wildly. Asif then raised his bat, threatening to hit the bowler and hitting him together with his elbow. This prompted Fareed’s teammates to hurry to him and separate the 2.
“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 stated whereas talking to ‘Events & Happenings Sports’.
“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.
At one level it appeared Afghanistan have been cruising to victory, with Pakistan being 9 wickets down and nonetheless needing 12 runs off seven balls. However, Naseem Shah took a single off the ultimate ball of the penultimate over to retain the strike within the final over.
In the ultimate over, Fazalhaq Farooqi missed his yorker and bowled a full toss, which Naseem dispatched for a most. With 5 wanted off as many balls, Naseem did not waste time and smashed one other full toss for a six and took Pakistan into the ultimate of the continental event with a one-wicket victory.
Pakistan will meet Sri Lanka within the closing of the Asia Cup on Sunday, September 11 in Dubai.
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