During the match at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on October 23 between Pakistan cricket team and Afghanistan cricket team, Pakistan’s skipper, Babar Azam, opted to tie his shoelaces himself when Afghanistan’s all-rounder, Mohammad Nabi, offered a helping hand.
In cricket, it’s not uncommon for batsmen to seek assistance with their gear, but Babar took matters into his own hands. As he managed his gloves and shoelaces, Nabi gave him a friendly pat on the back. This incident was captured on video and has since gained attention on social media.
Earlier in the match, after winning the toss, Babar chose to bat first and made one change to his team, replacing the unwell Mohammad Nawaz with Shadab Khan.
Pakistan’s opening pair made a solid start in the initial powerplay overs, with Abdullah Shafique even breaking their six-drought with a six off-spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman in the first powerplay over. After 10 overs, they had reached a total of 56 runs. However, in the 11th over, Azmatullah Omarzai dismissed Imam-ul-Haq, exploiting his vulnerability to the short ball. Babar then joined the action, opening his account with a boundary.
In the 16th over, Nabi issued a warning to Babar for leaving the crease early, rather than attempting to run him out. At that point, Babar had scored 17 runs off 20 deliveries.
Nabi displayed economical bowling, and in the 34th over, he claimed the wicket of Saud Shakeel, who tried an aerial route down the track. Nabi conceded 31 runs in his 10-over spell.
Babar, on the other hand, continued to bat, eventually reaching his half-century before being dismissed by teenager Noor Ahmad in the 42nd over. He scored 74 runs from 92 balls, featuring four fours and a six. As of writing this, Pakistan have scored 282 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in their 50 overs.
But it is Babar Azam’s gesture towards a senior like Mohammad Nabi that won hearts of many. Watch the video below.
A wonderful moment when Babar Azam didn't let Mohammad Nabi tie his laces out of respect for Afghanistan's most senior player. Ba adab, ba naseeb! Be adab, bad naseeb! ❤️❤️ #CWC23 #PAKvsAFG pic.twitter.com/yHnFbEk6wb
— RVCJ Media (@RVCJ_FC) October 23, 2023
