After a Pakistani reporter went so far as to imply that the International Cricket Council (ICC) is doing all in its power to guarantee that “India reaches the final,” Shahid Afridi tried to intervene.
India after its 5-run victory over Bangladesh has made it to the top of the Points Table of the Group 2 and has moved one step ahead in the way to the Semi-finals.
Match Summary
Bangladesh made an impactful start in their 185-run chase in the rain-delayed match with opener Litton Das scoring a half-century in just 21 balls. However, a rainout decelerated Bangladesh’s progress, and they lost several wickets in quick succession while chasing the amended target of 151 runs from 16 overs, finishing on 145/6.
Bangladesh had reached 66/0 in 7 overs when play was called off due to rain, 17 runs more than the DLS par score of 49/0. The results could have gone in the favor of the Bangladesh Team, if the rain wouldn’t have stopped.However, the rain stopped and the game resumed.
Match full of Controversies
A few events that happened throughout the game caused some controversy. Shakib Al Hasan first voiced his discontent as the umpire declared the ball wide only after striker Virat Kohli made a gesture. And later, when Kohli faked a throw while fielding, Bangladesh wicketkeeper Nurul Hasan objected and blamed the former Indian captain for “fake fielding.”
Shahid Afridi after India’s Win
The outcome also made Pakistan’s chances of making to the semifinals much less. After the game, a reporter on a Pakistani TV channel said that the International Cricket Council(ICC) is doing all possible to guarantee that “India reach the final” in reference to the play restarting after the rain delay. The reporter also solidified his argument by adding that ICC is biased, when it comes to India and is favoring India in every possible way.Â
Shahid Afridi, being a panelist on the show, replied to the assertion by praising Litton. Before being run out, he smashed 60 off just 27 balls. Bangladesh lost its way after his departure, as the following six wickets fell for 40 runs. Afridi, however, only had positive things to say about Litton and in response to the journalist’s comments on “ICC’s leaning towards India.”
The game restarted right after the break because of how much rain had fallen. It is clear that there are numerous things at play, including the ICC, India’s participation, and the pressure that comes with it. But, Litton’s batting was outstanding as he flourished in scoring runs for his team. After six overs, everyone was believing that Bangladesh would have won the game if they didn’t lose wickets for a further two or three overs. Overall, Bangladesh did a fantastic job in its fight.
READ MORE
