In the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022, underdogs Zimbabwe defeated Babar Azam-led Pakistan by one run in one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history. Shaheen Afridi, a new batter, hit the ball straight down the ground with three needed off the last ball but was run out while attempting the second run. To gain an edge, Mohammad Wasim Jr. was observed departing his end early off the final ball while stranded at the non-end. strikers.
Afridi hit the ball toward long-on as Zimbabwean pacer Brad Evans bowled one outside the off stump. Sikandar Raza displayed foresight and made an accurate and forceful throw at the keeper’s end. Regis Chakabva of Zimbabwe mishandled the ball, but the bails were still dislodged in time for Afridi to be run out.
Peter Della Penna posted pictures of multiple images shortly after the game concluded in which Wasim Jr. could be seen leaving the crease early to take advantage of the last ball, but two runs were still unable to be made.
Peter tweeted, “Most fielders do it anyway, but extra smart by @SRazaB24 to pick the striker’s end for the final ball runout to beat Pakistan. Wasim had left the non-striker’s end before Evans leaped into his delivery stride, huge start. Raza’s best option for a runout was always striker’s end.”
After 20 overs, Pakistan’s bowlers did well to hold Zimbabwe to 130 runs, with Wasim Jr. and Shadab Khan each taking seven wickets. Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Iftikhar Ahmed were back in the hut with only 36 runs on the board, though, so Zimbabwe got off to a fantastic start.
The Men in Green are currently in trouble after losing two straight games in the championship event. They had been defeated by Team India, captained by Rohit Sharma, by four wickets in their opening match. They will have to wait for several permutations and combinations to work in their favor to advance to the semi-finals. On October 30 in Perth, Pakistan will play against the Netherlands.
