Pakistan’s captain Babar Azam is a great cricket player but it seems memory is not the best of attribute as was in display just before the ongoing third ODI against Afghanistan in Colombo. The comical incident unfolded during the toss, where Babar Azam won the coin toss and chose to bat in the series concluding match.
While discussing any changes in the starting eleven, a humorous slip-up occurred. Babar Azam mistakenly conveyed that Pakistan had introduced four alterations to their lineup. The Men in Green incorporated Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Mohammad Nawaz, and Faheem Ashraf. Meanwhile, the players excluded from the lineup were Usama Mir, Iftikhar Ahmed, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf.
What adds to the amusement is Babar Azam’s assertion that Saud Shakeel would be making his debut in the game. However, the truth is that Saud Shakeel is not a newcomer to ODI cricket, as he had already participated in previous matches. The blunder’s irony deepens further considering that Babar Azam himself had bestowed Saud Shakeel with his debut ODI cap two years prior, back in 2021.
Captain Babar Azam said during the toss that Saud Shakeel is making his debut while he has played 5 ODIs for Pakistan. WOW !!#PakvsAfg #BabarAzam #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/0ty0hRyT2k
— Kifayat Ali (@KiffayatAli) August 26, 2023
According to skipper Babar Azam on toss "Saud Shakeel is making debut today"
— Shahzaib Ali 🇵🇰 (@DSBcricket) August 26, 2023
Interestingly in 2021 skipper Babar Azam himeslf presented the ODI debut cap to Saud Shakeel against England. pic.twitter.com/KH08DcgzyE
In the meantime, the Pakistan team led by Babar Azam has effectively secured the three-match series victory by triumphing in the initial two matches. Their sights are now set on achieving a clean sweep against Afghanistan.
The first ODI saw Pakistan dominating the Afghan side with a resounding 142-run win. Following that, the second match offered a nail-biting encounter, resulting in Pakistan clinching a thrilling 1-wicket victory.
However, the second ODI was not without its share of controversy. Fazalhaq Farooqi’s run-out of Shadab Khan at the non-striker’s end during the final over stirred up a significant dispute.
Shadab Khan had departed his crease before the ball was bowled, leading to the run-out. Post the match’s conclusion, Babar Azam displayed clear signs of frustration and engaged in a lively conversation with the opposing players, expressing his dissatisfaction.
