Amid the ongoing Pakistan vs. Afghanistan match, Babar Azam respectfully declined Mohammed Nabi’s offer to tie his shoelaces, reiterating his respect for the senior player.
The 2023 ODI World Cup continues to deliver thrilling matches, and the ongoing Pakistan vs. Afghanistan showdown at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium is no exception. Pakistan chose to bat first, setting a decent score of 287. Yet, Afghanistan’s bowlers maintained pressure, preventing the Pakistani batsmen from finding their rhythm in this highly anticipated encounter.
As the game progressed, an intriguing incident unfolded between Afghanistan’s Mohammad Nabi and Pakistan’s skipper Babar Azam. Nabi made a kind gesture, attempting to assist the 29-year-old cricketer in tying his laces, but Babar respectfully declined the offer and turned away. In response, Nabi offered a friendly pat on Babar’s back. Some speculate that Babar’s hesitation might have been driven by a desire not to have a senior player like Nabi touch his feet, indicating a mark of respect.
Babar Azam didn’t let Mohd Nabi tie his shoe lace. #AFGvPAK pic.twitter.com/d0DqifgxGy
— Vipin Tiwari (@Vipintiwari952_) October 23, 2023
Earlier, in the 15th over of the match, another incident had made headlines when Nabi, during his run-up to deliver the ball to Abdullah Shafique, halted as he noticed Babar leaving his crease. Nabi cautioned the Pakistan skipper about a potential run-out, and he also alerted the umpire to the batter’s early departure from the crease. This unexpected pause in the game led to a few exchanges between Nabi and Babar, although the specifics of their conversation remain undisclosed.
The match has been closely contested, with both teams putting up a strong fight. In the first innings, Pakistan’s captain, Babar, showcased his batting skills with a fine 74 off 92 balls. Abdullah Shafique (58) and Shadab Khan (40) also played composed innings, helping Pakistan reach a competitive total of 282/7 in 50 overs. Meanwhile, Afghan spinner Noor Ahmad made a notable impact, taking three wickets for Afghanistan.
Last Updated on October 23, 2023
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