In the pursuit of a target of 189 runs, the Desert Vipers faced a setback as they lost half of their wickets within the powerplay, with Wanindu Hasaranga and Ali Naseer stationed at opposite ends of the pitch.
Hasaranga’s stay at the crease was short-lived, as he fell victim to Waqar Salamkheil’s bowling prowess post powerplay. This resulted in a heated confrontation between the batter and the bowler.
During the seventh over’s final delivery, the left-arm wrist spinner delivered a deceptive wrong’un that landed near the off stump and spun away from the batter.
Enticed by the fuller, tossed-up delivery, Hasaranga attempted a slog sweep but only managed to nick the ball to the wicketkeeper off the under edge of his willow. Salamkheil celebrated his successful dismissal of the Sri Lankan player with a triumphant expression, provoking a reaction from Hasaranga.
— Vince Sinha (@SinhaVince29999) February 4, 2024
Clearly agitated, Hasaranga exchanged words with the Afghan spinner at the center of the pitch before eventually walking off the field. Subsequently, Salamkheil was observed narrating his version of events to umpire Rod Tucker, surrounded by MI Emirates fielders, causing a stir on Twitter.