Muhammad Shahzad’s celebration after dismissing Uthappa [Source: Screengrab]
In a dramatic incident, Pakistan’s fast bowler Muhammad Shahzad gave cold send-offs to Indian batters, Robin Uthappa and Stuart Binny, after dismissing them in the ongoing Hong Kong Sixes tournament. The fast bowler’s send-off set the tone for a cracking India-Pakistan clash, adding fire to the mother of all battles.
Shahzad’s ice-cold celebration after Uthappa, Binny’s dismissal grabs limelight
Pakistan Sixes’ captain Abbas Afridi won the toss and opted to bowl first in the high-voltage encounter against India Sixes. Robin Uthappa came out to bat with Bharat Chipli, with the duo putting up a magnificent stand for the first wicket. While Chipli initially struggled to get going, Uthappa ensured India’s brisk start, powering them to 42 in just 2.2 overs.
However, Muhammad Shahzad eventually drew the first blood for Pakistan, getting Uthappa’s prized scalp at a crucial juncture. The right-arm pacer also went on to get rid of Stuart Binny, as India’s number three departed for just four runs. Thus, Shahzad brought Pakistan back into the contest, celebrating his success by putting his finger to the lips, thereby giving a fitting send-off to the Indian batters.
The recent geopolitical conflict between India and Pakistan has adversely impacted their cricketing ties. While the Indian players refused to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts in the Asia Cup as well as the Women’s World Cup, PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi took the trophy with him, adding further twist to the tale. In such a scenario, heated exchanges between players from both sides were expected anyway, and Shahzad was the first one to ignite the rivalry with his actions in the Hong Kong Sixes.
Talking about the game, India Sixes were restricted to 86 for four in six overs. Uthappa smashed 28 runs off just eleven deliveries, while Dinesh Karthik and Bharat Chipli contributed 17 and 24 runs, respectively, to India’s tally.
