PAK vs IND: Former Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar stole the show in the tense encounter between arch-rivals Pakistan and India in the Super 4 round of the Asia Cup in 2023, not with a cricket ball but with his pointed comments. Pakistan’s captain Babar Azam won the toss and, in a surprising move, elected to bowl first as the cricketing world waited on in expectation. Shoaib Akhtar’s frank comments, however, have turned this choice into a point of contention that no one could have predicted.
Shoaib Akhtar, renowned for his forthright nature, didn’t hold back when the clouds gathered above Colombo and poured down rain. He thought it was a “wise choice” for Babar Azam to bowl first. I quote: “Well, I don’t see this starting again,” said Shoaib. As he put it, “Colombo ki baarish is crazy,” describing the erratic climate of the Sri Lankan capital.
The rain showers were the deciding factor in this critical fight. Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, India’s opening pair, got things going quickly and solidly for their squad. But the unexpected rain saved Pakistan and changed the dynamics of the game.
PAK vs IND: Shoaib Akhtar Claims That Rain Saved Pakistan In Colombo
Shoaib Akhtar spoke the minds of many of his adoring followers in a touching video that went popular on social media. He introduced himself as Shoaib and said, “Hey guys, it’s me Shoaib, match dekhne aaya tha, hum sare fans bhi wait kar rahe hai, Indians bhi Pakistani bhi. Lekin barish ne bacha liya humein, finally! Pehle India phass gya tha humare aagey, barish ne bacha lia. Aaj hum phas gaye the India ke samne, shukr hai barish ne bach lia. (I came to watch the match, we are all waiting, Indian and Pakistani fans. Rain saved us, rain saved India the other day, but today rain saved us!). We will be able to resume this game tomorrow at the same position, and by making a wise decision, not to bowl first,” he added.
Well. I don't see this starting again. Colombo ki baarish is crazy pic.twitter.com/KiY8Mbzl77
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) September 10, 2023
This entertaining match took an unexpected turn on Sunday when rain halted play after just 24.1 overs in the Super Four round of the Asia Cup. India’s innings was cut short with them at 147-2 after Pakistan elected to bowl first, leaving them in an enticing position.
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The Super Four match was given an additional day at the last minute. This turn of events increased the tension of the high-profile meeting. Earlier, a group meeting between the two teams in Pallekele had been abandoned because of rain. The weather looked set to be the deciding factor in the unfolding conflict between India and Pakistan.
