Legendary pacer Wasim Akram was critical of Pakistan spinner ABRAR Ahmed‘s send-off to Shubman Gill in the crucial Champions Trophy clash against India on Sunday. The stakes were high again when the two arch-rivals clashed in Dubai, but the Indian team completely outclassed Mohammad Rizwan and Co, who failed to put up any fight and are were eventually knocked out of the tournament.
During India’s chase, Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed delivered a magical delivery to get rid of a well-set Shubman Gill for 46. The Indian opener failed to judge the spin and was bamboozled. Abrar didn’t hold back and gave him a send-off. India were 100/2 in 17.3 overs when Gill was dismissed and in cruise control, and while it was an important moment in the game, Ahmed’s send-off didn’t go down well with many, including a few former Pakistan cricketers.
Akram was impressed with the ball, which dismissed Gill, but criticised Abrar for his celebration as he felt the momentum was in the opposition’s favour when he gave the send-off.
“I was very impressed with the ball, I wasn’t impressed with the celebrations. Time aur jagah hoti hain na yaar (There is time and place for it, buddy). If you are winning, celebrate. When you know, the team is stuck, you get the wicket, be humble. Be Humble. But that’s not happening. There is no one to tell him that,” Akram told Sports Central.
The legendary pacer suggested such a send-off is only justified when the player has picked seven wickets for seven runs.
“Celebration killed everything. When you get seven wickets for five runs, I can understand. It doesn’t look nice. I mean it doesn’t even look nice on TV.” – Wasim Akram on Abrar Ahmed’s celebrations (Gill),” he added.
Virat Kohli returns to form with a ton
After electing to bat first, Pakistan were bowled out for below-par 241 in the crucial clash. Saud Shakeel was the only batter from Pakistan to breach the 50-run mark in the clash.
In reply, Virat Kohli returned to form with a magnificent century as India chased down the target comfortably in 42.3 overs. Kohli controlled the chase and made it a cakewalk for the Men in Blue.
