‘Batters Only Try To Steal Runs…’: AB De Villiers Witty Response To Pakistan Journalist’s Critique Of Shadab Khan’s Run Out At Non-Striker’s End

During the second ODI between Pakistan and Afghanistan, a pivotal moment occurred when Afghanistan’s bowler Fazalhaq Farooqi displayed exceptional game awareness. With Pakistan needing 11 runs from the final six balls, Farooqi executed a run-out by catching Shadab Khan off-guard at the non-striker’s end. Shadab Khan, who had been performing well with 48 runs off 35 balls, was found to be backing up too far on the first delivery of the last over. Although Afghanistan initially celebrated, Shadab Khan awaited the decision. After review, the TV umpire confirmed the run-out. Despite this setback, Pakistan managed to secure victory thanks to Naseem Shah’s performance in the remaining deliveries.

The recent run-out incident has reignited the debate surrounding batsmen getting run out. Joining the discussion is South African cricket legend AB de Villiers. In response to a post discussing the run-out incident, which included a quote from commentator HD Ackerman questioning the timing of run-outs similar to Mankading, de Villiers provided an intriguing perspective. The quote highlighted the observation that teams often resort to such tactics towards the end of a match out of desperation rather than considering them as viable strategies earlier in the innings. The hashtag #AFGvPAK was likely used to reference the match between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Cause batters only try to steal runs towards the back end of an innings

— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) August 25, 2023

In a thrilling turn of events, Pakistan’s number ten batsman, Naseem Shah, struck a boundary off the penultimate delivery, securing a dramatic one-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the second ODI at Hambantota on Thursday.

At 20 years of age, Naseem Shah miscued a boundary off fast bowler Fazalhaq Farooqi. His celebration was exuberant as he sprinted towards the dressing room. Pakistan managed to score 11 runs in the last over, reaching a total of 302-9 in 49.5 overs.

With this triumph, Pakistan secured an insurmountable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. The final game is set to take place in Colombo on Saturday.

Pakistan’s late surge took the spotlight away from Afghanistan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s exceptional career-best performance. He scored 151 runs off 151 balls, propelling his team to a total of 300-5 in their allotted 50 overs.