The highly awaited clash between India and Pakistan promised to be a thrilling contest on Sunday, but the weather gods had other plans. The match at the R Premadasa stadium was interrupted by rain, leaving the Men in Blue at 147/2 after 24.1 overs.
The efficient groundstaff in Sri Lanka, renowned as the best in the world, promptly deployed tarps to shield the pitch from the rain. Nevertheless, a bit of unexpected assistance in such critical moments is always welcome.
Fakhar Zaman, positioned in the deep, swiftly rallied with the ground crew by dashing onto the field to assist in pulling the covers over it.
Within moments, the entire field transformed from green to blue, despite the added challenge of rainwater making the covers heavier during their placement on the playing surface.
Fakhar zaman helped the ground staff to cover the ground. Nice gesture from fakhar zaman.#PakvsIndia pic.twitter.com/12QM9XWdYg
— Wasim Akram (@PatrioticWsi) September 10, 2023
While many applauded the Pakistani batter’s efforts, some observers noted that preserving the pitch and outfield in this way could potentially work to Zaman’s advantage when he took his turn to bat in the second innings.