Nafay’s Frustration Boils Over After Run-Out

DARWIN: Khawaja Nafay, the opening batter for Pakistan Shaheens, displayed visible frustration after a significant misjudgment with his partner, Yasir Khan. This occurred during their Top End T20 Series debut against Bangladesh ‘A’ at the TIO Stadium on Thursday.

The Shaheens began their innings strongly, with both openers constructing a century partnership and achieving their respective half-centuries. They propelled the team past the 100-run mark without losing a wicket.

The pivotal moment arrived on the first ball of the 12th over when Yasir’s attempted shot failed to connect, leaving the ball near the wicketkeeper.

Nafay, positioned at the non-striker’s end, darted for a quick single. However, a lapse in communication led to him being run out, a play executed sharply by Bangladesh’s Nurul Hasan.

Visibly upset after being dismissed for a rapid 61 from 31 deliveries – including eight boundaries and a pair of sixes – Nafay reportedly exchanged strong words with Yasir and slammed his bat onto the ground as he departed the field.

Yasir was dismissed shortly afterward, having scored 62 from 40 balls, which included seven fours and two sixes. Following this, Abdul Samad, along with Mohammad Faiq, took charge, aggressively challenging the bowlers.

Samad struck three sixes in a single over bowled by Mohammad Saif Hassan, pushing the score beyond 150 in the 14th over. Their partnership contributed 59 runs before Faiq was caught out for 18 off 10 balls by Rakibul Hasan, leaving the Shaheens at 188-3.

Samad subsequently reached his half-century in just 23 balls. Skipper Irfan Khan added a swift 25 from 12 balls before being dismissed by Hasan Mahmud, with the scoreboard showing 224-4 in the final over.

Saad Masood faced the innings’ final ball, while Abdul Samad remained not out with 56 from 27 balls, which comprised one four and five sixes. The Shaheens concluded their innings at 227-4 after 20 overs.

From the Bangladesh side, Rakibul Hasan, Hasan Mahmud, and Mahfuzur Rahman each secured a wicket.