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Wasim Akram says he 'never trusted Pakistan fielders' on-air, Shaheen Afridi drops a sitter on very next delivery

Nov 08, 2024 07:57 PM IST

Wasim Akram delivered a rather hilarious moment on-air during the second ODI between Pakistan and Australia.

The second ODI between Australia and Pakistan at the Adelaide Oval provided fans with more than just competitive cricket; it delivered some unexpected comic relief. During a light-hearted exchange in the commentary box, Wasim Akram was humorously probed about the high rate of bowled and LBW dismissals in his and Waqar Younis' heyday.

Wasim Akram reacts after Shaheen Afridi drops a catch(X)
Wasim Akram reacts after Shaheen Afridi drops a catch(X)

Co-commentator James Brayshaw asked Akram why their wickets rarely involved fielders. With a deadpan expression, Akram issued a hilarious response, suggesting that he and Waqar had little confidence in the slip cordon due to fielders frequently citing poor visibility whenever a catch was dropped. His remark was met with laughter; ironically, on the very next ball after Akram’s quip, Shaheen Afridi missed a straightforward catch.

Positioned at deep backward square-leg, Afridi attempted to catch a well-timed hook shot from Matthew Short. Yet, in a moment of lapse, the ball slipped through his hands, leaving bowler Naseem Shah frustrated. Akram, unfazed, remarked that Afridi may have misjudged the height of the ball – an error that could have shifted the match's momentum.

However, the dropped catch ultimately did not prove costly, as Short was dismissed soon after, easing Pakistan’s nerves.

Watch:

The incident did little to derail Pakistan's dominant performance. Following Afridi's drop, the Pakistan bowlers continued their relentless attack, and Australia soon collapsed. Haris Rauf led the charge with a five-wicket haul as Australia were bowled out for just 163. Captain Mohammad Rizwan's six catches equaled former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed's record for the most catches by a Pakistan wicketkeeper in an ODI.

Chasing a modest target, Pakistan's openers blazed through the powerplay, leaving the Australian bowlers reeling. Saim Ayub (83) fell short of a deserved century, but his aggressive start set the stage for Pakistan’s commanding nine-wicket win. Abdullah Shafique and Babar Azam guided Pakistan across the finish line with ease, clinching victory with nearly half their innings remaining.

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