In a low-scoring thriller, which saw Pakistan defeat Bangladesh by five wickets in Dhaka on Monday, captain Mahmudullah's gracefulness in defeat won the hearts of netizens.
The Bangladesh skipper introduced himself in the attack in the final over of the clash when Pakistan required eight runs. He started off with a dot, followed it up with two consecutive wickets and was then hit for a six by Iftikhar Ahmed.
The equation then turned to two required in the same number of deliveries and then the 35-year-old struck once again as the visitors now needed a couple of runs off the final ball.
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Mohammad Nawaz was on strike and as Mahmudullah released the ball, the batter despite taking a stance pulled out at the last moment. The ball hit the stumps and after a small discussion among the players and umpires, the delivery was called dead.
Nawaz then slapped the final delivery for a four to help Pakistan complete a whitewash over the hosts.
Sharing his views on the incident, Mahmudullah said he asked the umpire about his decision and respected it without any objection.
“I just asked the umpire whether it’s a fair ball or not because he (Nawaz) pulled out late. I just asked this to the umpire nothing else. Umpire’s call is final and we do respect umpires. It’s a little bit heart-breaking. We went closer but unfortunately it did not happen,” the Bangladesh skipper said during the post-match presser.
{{/usCountry}}“I just asked the umpire whether it’s a fair ball or not because he (Nawaz) pulled out late. I just asked this to the umpire nothing else. Umpire’s call is final and we do respect umpires. It’s a little bit heart-breaking. We went closer but unfortunately it did not happen,” the Bangladesh skipper said during the post-match presser.
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However, Mahmudullah's gesture didn't go unnoticed as many hailed the sportsmanship displayed by the 35-year-old.
Meanwhile, explaining why he pulled out at the last moment despite taking the stance Nawaz said: "I was looking down and he delivered the ball. When the ball had come halfway, then I looked up and saw the ball, which is why I pulled out."
Following the conclusion of the T20Is, the Pakistan unit will now take on Bangladesh in a two-match Test series, which starts from November 26 in Chattogram.