Chasing a challenging 253-run target on a tricky Sharjah pitch, Afghanistan’s batting innings faltered early as Rahmanullah Gurbaz was dismissed cheaply in the fourth over.
However, Sediqullah Atal and Rahmat Shah steadied the ship, guiding Afghanistan past the 100-run mark. But the tide turned when Mustafizur Rahman struck in the 29th over, removing captain Hashmatullah Shahidi.
In the following over, Afghanistan’s collapse deepened as they lost Azmatullah Omarzai and Rahmat, with the latter falling victim to a disastrous run-out, the result of a misjudgment by Gulbadin Naib.
It was a moment of chaos in the 30th over when Nasum Ahmed delivered a length ball outside the off-stump to Naib. He jabbed it towards cover and set off for a quick single. But, as the fielder closed in, Naib hesitated and suddenly pulled back, seeing Rahmat just behind him.
By then, Rahmat had already crossed halfway down the pitch, nearly completing the run before the fateful delay. Jaker Ali collected the ball near the stumps and calmly threw it to the bowler’s end, where Rahmat was caught short.
— Pandit Pranoob (@pranoob76889) November 9, 2024
Despite Naib’s reluctance to sacrifice his wicket, it was Rahmat who had to walk off, sending social media into a frenzy as the dramatic turn of events played out.