The much-anticipated Asia Cup 2023 commenced with a riveting clash as Nepal’s bowlers gave Pakistan’s batters a run for their money in the opening match held in Multan on Wednesday. The game proved to be an exhilarating spectacle from the very start.
As the contest unfolded, Pakistan encountered early hiccups, losing two wickets within the initial seven overs with a mere 25 runs on the scoreboard. However, the experienced duo of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan forged a steady partnership, seemingly steering Pakistan toward a promising score. Nevertheless, a bizarre incident occurred that left cricket enthusiasts and experts bewildered.
The peculiar moment transpired when Mohammad Rizwan, batting on 44, fell victim to an unusual run-out during the 24th over. Facing the spin of Sandeep Lamichhane, Rizwan played a shot towards the cover region and initiated a run. Dipendra Singh, a sharp fielder for Nepal, swiftly gathered the ball and directed a pinpoint throw towards the non-striker’s end. The throw’s trajectory made it challenging for Rizwan to dodge, especially since he was not wearing a helmet.
In an attempt to evade the incoming ball, Rizwan lifted his bat and both feet off the ground, causing him to be run out in a rather unorthodox manner. This was a rare instance of Rizwan opting to duck rather than dive to make his ground. Observers couldn’t help but notice the absence of his helmet, a crucial protective gear. Notably, Rizwan is known for his tendency to dive while running between the wickets, making this particular episode all the more intriguing.
Former Indian cricketer R Ashwin, taking note of the incident, shared his thoughts on the matter on X (formerly Twitter). He highlighted the uniqueness of the situation and the role that the absence of a helmet played in Rizwan’s evasive maneuver. Ashwin’s post read, “The height of the throw made it harder to evade for Rizwan but for someone who generally dives to make his ground all the time while running between the wickets, this is a rare instance of him ducking for cover and the only reason is that he isn’t wearing his helmet. He loves sweeping against spin and no helmet makes it even more bizarre. #PAKvsNEP.”
Pakistan’s next challenge looms large as they face off against the Indian cricket team, led by Rohit Sharma. This highly anticipated encounter is scheduled for Saturday and will take place in Sri Lanka, promising another exhilarating chapter in the ongoing Asia Cup 2023.