AFG vs BAN: From Adam Zampa speaking on 'fake injury' to Najib Zadran trolling with 'Definitely Australia' - Cricketers react
Despite Afghanistan winning the thrilling game against Bangladesh, it was marred by considerable drama.
Updated : June 25, 2024 05:47 PM ISTDespite Afghanistan winning the thrilling game against Bangladesh, it was marred by considerable drama.
Afghanistan vs Bangladesh
The match between Afghanistan and Bangladesh, the final Super 8s clash of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024, was crucial as three teams—Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Australia—depended on its outcome. Australia's fate in reaching the semi-finals hinged on Afghanistan losing to Bangladesh on Tuesday, June 25, at Arnos Vale Ground in St Vincent.
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However, despite Afghanistan winning the thrilling game, it was marred by considerable drama. Several cricketers took to social media to discuss various incidents, from Gulbadin Naib's 'injury' to intermittent rain interruptions. Let's explore how former and current cricketers reacted to this game.
'𝘞𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵' 👏
— T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) June 25, 2024
Rashid Khan reflects on Afghanistan's iconic entry into the semi-finals 👊#T20WorldCup #AFGvBANhttps://t.co/Q91oZn7zhB
Adam Zampa:
The leg-spinner from Australia voiced his displeasure with Gulbadin Naib, saying that he had pretended to be injured to prolong the game. Although Naib seemed to have a hamstring injury during the pivotal game, Zampa said it was an "old raintsring". Bangladesh was at 81 for 7, two runs behind the DLS target, when the event occurred, shortly before a rain delay.
As the drizzle began, Afghanistan coach Jonathan Trott was seen signalling for the players to slow down, and when the cameras panned towards Naib, he was seen falling to the ground and clutching his hamstring. Even skipper Rashid Khan seemed displeased, repeatedly questioning Naib about the situation. Had play not resumed, Bangladesh would have lost the match by 2 runs under the DLS method.
Najibullah Zadran:
Following Afghanistan's historic win, Pat Cummins was trolled on social media since, before the T20 World Cup began, the Aussie bowler said that Australia would 'definitely' make it to the semifinals when asked to predict which four countries would advance. When asked who the other possible semifinalists were, Cummins said, ""Definitely Australia. And then you can choose which three you want".
However, fate took a different turn as Australia failed to make it to the semis, while Afghanistan had the last laugh. Zadran took to Twitter after Afghanistan's win and tweeted, "Q: How's the top 4 semifinalist? A: definitely Australia other 3 you choose," mocking the Australian ODI and Test captain's prediction.
Q :How is the top 4 semi finalist?
— Najib Zadran (@iamnajibzadran) June 25, 2024
A : definitely Australia other 3 you choose
✈️✈️✈️ 🤫🤐 @ACBofficials @patcummins30 @CricketAus
Wasim Jaffer:
The former Indian cricketer has been very vocal about all the games in the tournament. Still, when it comes to praising Afghanistan and trolling Australia, the batter trolled even Bangladesh and wrote, "MADNESS!! CONGRATULATIONS".
He also made another post and wrote, "Aus used to invite Ind once every 10 years; Eng used to get Ind Tests out of the way in the early part of the season. Same boards now lay out the red carpet for Ind. Same thing is going to happen with Afg. Cricket world will have to give Afg the respect they deserve. #AFGvBAN #T20WC".
Aus used to invite Ind once every 10 years; Eng used to get Ind Tests out of the way in early part of the season. Same boards now lay out the red carpet for Ind. Same thing is going to happen with Afg. Cricket world will have to give Afg the respect they deserve. #AFGvBAN #T20WC pic.twitter.com/MaZLHSXvvL
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) June 25, 2024
Virender Sehwag:
The former India batter also praised the Afghan unit and said, "Wow, Afghanistan. What an effort. Beating New Zealand, beating Australia and making the semi-finals of a World Cup. This is what progress is. Congratulations".
Wow, Afghanistan. What an effort.
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) June 25, 2024
Beating New Zealand, beating Australia and making the semi- finals of a World Cup. This is what progress is. Congratulations