Glenn Maxwell says not shaking hands with Sarfraz Ahmed ‘genuine oversight’

Glenn Maxwell was criticised for snubbing Pakistan cricket team captain Sarfraz Ahmed during the tri-series final in Harare.

Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has clarified that not shaking hands with Pakistani captain Sarfraz Ahmed after the T20I tri-series final in Harare was a mistake on his part.

Pakistan batsman Shoaib Malik is congratulated by Glenn Maxwell after victory in action during the final of the tri-series played between Pakistan and Australia in a T20 tri-series which at the Harare Sports Club, July 8 2018. (AFP)

Explaining that he was on the lookout for the Pakistan captain after ‘a genuine oversight’ from his part resulted in him not shaking hands with the opponent, Maxwell said that is not the way he plays his game.

Earlier, social media was critical of the Australian senior cricketer who did not shake hands with Sarfraz, who had come running onto the ground after Pakistan created history by defeating Australia in a tournament final.

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It was for the first time since 1990 that Pakistan beat Australia in the final of any tournament — a victory that was inspired by Sarfraz’s fightback.

After Maxwell claimed two wickets in his first over reducing Pakistan to 2/2, Sarfraz teamed up with Fakhar Zaman to take their side to a position of command.

While Sarfraz fell for a 19-ball 28, Zaman went on to score a fabulous 91 to help Pakistan win the tri-series by six wickets and four balls to spare. Zimbabwe were the third team.

After their win, a video of the Pakistani captain being snubbed by Maxwell flooded media with many criticising the Australia’s gesture.

Maxwell took to Twitter to clarify that it was a genuine miss from his part and he would make up for it.