The recently-concluded ODI World Cup 2023 was all about nail-biting affairs, run fests, and some major upsets. One of them was Afghanistan’s stunning win over Pakistan in Chennai which doubled the confidence of Hashmatullah Shahidi and his boys going forward in the tournament. The Afghanistan bowlers restricted the men in green for 282/7 in 50 overs with Noor Ahmad (3/49) and Naveen-ul-Haq (2/52) sharing 5 wickets among each other. In reply, the top three Afghan batters – Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadram and Rahmat Shah – got fifty-plus scores while the skipper notched a 48 not-out to humiliate Pakistan.
It was Afghanistan’s first-ever win over Pakistan in the ODI format. Amid the disappointment and heartbreak, Babar Azam obliged a request made by Gurbaz. The latter had asked for a bat from the Pakistan captain which he didn’t refuse.
In a recent conversation with social media influence and Pakistani actor Momin Saqib, better known as ‘Maro Mujhe Maro’ guy, Gurbaz recalled Babar’s gestures, heaping massive praise on the ace Pakistan batter.
“I can’t forget that moment,” Gurbaz told Saqib.
“We beat Pakistan and then I asked for his bat. Once he brought that, he was so disappointed which I can understand as a player. I can feel the pain of losing a game under so much pressure. And if I can remember, I got a little emotional. He is such a great player, one of the best captains,” he added.
Gurbaz further revealed that Babar was so disappointed that he was about to cry following the defeat. However, the Pakistan captain controlled his emotions and presented the Afghan wicketkeeper-batter with his bat.
“I was trying to not say this in front of the camera but yes, he was so disappointed that he was about to cry. I’ve never seen any player like that. Everyone was against him. But I salute Babar Bhai that he was so strong and just kept going. He never gave up and produced his best,” Gurbaz said.
With the star player who has added flair and fire to Afghanistan’s batting line upIt was a proud moment hearing @RGurbaz_21 speak about our former captain’s humility while revisiting the moment he received #BabarAzam’s bat!
We were also joined by the down-to-earth Masood… pic.twitter.com/bn0y461HKI
— Momin Saqib (@mominsaqib) December 6, 2023
‘I would pray for Babar and his success’: Gurbaz
The Afghanistan batter said his younger brother is a big fan of Babar and he asked for the bat a t-shirt.
“Actually, my younger brother is a big fan of Babar Bhai. So he asked me for the shirt and the bat. So, I requested Babar Bhai for the same and he just gave it to me. He didn’t say no to me and I can never forget that. I would pray for him and his success,” Gurbaz concluded.
Comments
0 comment