During the Bangladesh vs Pakistan ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 match on October 31, Nasser Hussain playfully teased Babar Azam on live commentary when the Pakistan captain’s DRS (Decision Review System) referral turned out to be ill-advised.
Haris Rauf shared some of the blame as he convinced his captain to review despite Babar’s initial reluctance. Rauf’s delivery had struck Mahmudullah’s leg in the second over, but it was clear from the beginning that it was high, barely grazing the top flap of the pad.
Hussain’s reaction was a resounding “No, Babar” as the skipper signaled for the review.
The ball tracker confirmed that there was no involvement of the bat and that the impact was in line, but it projected the ball as going over the leg stump, costing Pakistan a valuable review. Babar appeared dissatisfied, clearly unimpressed with Rauf’s decision.
Hussain humorously drew parallels with the likes of Stuart Broad and Shane Watson, known for their miss use of the reviews during their playing careers, while Stuart Broad was in the commentary box with him.
In the match itself, Shaheen Shah Afridi made an early breakthrough for Pakistan, dismissing Tanzid Hasan for a duck in the first over. He struck again in the following over, claiming the wicket of Najmul Hasan Shanto. Bangladesh found themselves struggling at 23-3 after Haris Rauf removed Mushfiqur Rahim for just five runs.
A crucial 79-run partnership between Litton Das and Mahmudullah stabilized Bangladesh’s innings until Litton Das was dismissed for 45. At that point, Bangladesh’s score stood at 128-4 after 30 overs.
Pakistan entered this game on the back of four consecutive losses to India, South Africa, Australia, and Afghanistan. They needed a victory to maintain a realistic chance of reaching the semi-finals. A loss for Bangladesh would officially eliminate them from the competition.
