Afghanistan’s Naib defends costly decision to bowl himself against Pakistan


PTI, Jun 30, 2019, 10:17 AM IST

Leeds: Afghanistan skipper Gulbadin Naib defended his disastrous decision to bring himself on to bowl towards the end of a gripping match against Pakistan on Saturday — a move that cost 18 runs in a single over.

Pakistan edged home by three wickets with two balls to spare at Headingley but the contest turned in the 46th over, bowled by Naib.

Spinners Mohammad Nabi (2-23), Mujeeb Ur Rahman (2-34) and Rashid Khan (1-50) had restricted Pakistan, who desperately needed to win to keep up their push for a semi-final place.

Pakistan, with four wickets in hand, needed 46 runs from 30 balls to win the match at the end of the 45th over but the complexion of the game was completely changed after man-of-the-match Imad Wasim smashed three fours and scrambled some more runs.

Naib also bowled a wide. Suddenly Pakistan needed just 28 runs from 24 balls and held their nerve to edge home. Seamer Naib, who conceded 73 runs in 9.4 wicketless overs, said a hamstring injury to paceman Hamid Hassan after he had bowled just two overs was the turning point in the match.

“We had the feeling they weren’t targeting every bowler,” said Naib, who was controversially appointed captain in place of the successful Asghar Afghan two months before the World Cup.

“Every team has their plans and I thought the crucial point is for the 46th over that I bowled and 18 runs, it’s not really good.”

“If Hamid was there maybe I didn’t bowl more than three or four overs because I do not have enough speed for this kind of surface,” he added.

But Naib gave credit to Pakistan. “I think the pressure was on the Pakistan side. But credit goes to them, how they played and how they finished the game,” he said.

Afghanistan, who have lost all eight of their World Cup matches, play West Indies in their final match at Headingley on July 4.

Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.

Top News

Salman Khan gets another threat, asked to cough up Rs 5 cr

Rahul Gandhi to attend caste census meeting in Hyderabad today

Udupi: Gas cylinder explosion during party causes extensive damage in apartment

Stay Safe Online: Tips to avoid cyber fraud!

FIR against Sanjay Raut’s brother for remarks against Shiv Sena’s woman leader

Kodagu murder case accused escapes from police in Hyderabad

Karnataka Maritime Board announces plans for Mangaluru Water Metro Project

Related Articles More

Mohammed Shami’s return to competitive cricket delayed; not to play for Bengal against Karnataka, MP

IPL auction set to be held in Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh at end of November

So proud of you: Ravindra reveals rare message from dad after NZ’s historic series win

Gautam Gambhir’s performance under scanner after disaster in Sri Lanka and India

ISL: Mumbai City defeat Kerala Blasters 4-2 in six-goal thriller

MUST WATCH

Gho Pooja in Deepavali Festival

Melukote Deepavali

Ganapathi Co-operative Society Ltd

Udayavani Chinnara Banna 2024

Annapoorna Aahar | Food Places In Mysore


Latest Additions

Salman Khan gets another threat, asked to cough up Rs 5 cr

Mangaluru: Vishwa Konkani Samaroh to be held on Nov 5 and 6

Canadian cop suspended for attending pro-Khalistan protest outside Hindu temple

Rahul Gandhi to attend caste census meeting in Hyderabad today

Udupi: Gas cylinder explosion during party causes extensive damage in apartment

Thanks for visiting Udayavani

You seem to have an Ad Blocker on.
To continue reading, please turn it off or whitelist Udayavani.