The Pakistan cricket team has faced consistent criticism for their subpar fielding performances on the field. Their inability to maintain energy and focus during critical phases of the game has been detrimental to their own success. As professionals, they are expected to have a better understanding of the game’s nuances and work seamlessly with the rest of the team.
During the 35th match of the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023, held at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru between Pakistan and New Zealand, the cricket world witnessed another lackluster fielding incident, this time involving Hasan Ali. Had he executed his fielding better, the outcome might have been entirely different. Hasan Ali’s unusual fielding attempt provided Mitchell Santner with a second chance.
This incident occurred on the third delivery of the 50th over of New Zealand’s innings when Mitchell Santner attempted to dispatch Shaheen Shah Afridi’s delivery towards long-on for a likely boundary. Shaheen Shah Afridi cleverly bowled a slower-length ball outside the off-stump, causing Santner to mistime his shot off the toe end of his bat.
The miscued shot by Mitchell Santner went high in the air, and Hasan Ali, positioned at long-on, charged in to take the catch. However, he made a strange fielding attempt at the last moment, and the ball narrowly eluded him. A video clip capturing Hasan Ali’s peculiar fielding display quickly circulated on social media. Mitchell Santner managed to take two runs and subsequently hit a six off Shaheen Shah Afridi’s next delivery.
Just Hasan Ali & Pakistan doing Pakistani things #PakistanCricketTeam #PAKvNZ #ICCCricketWorldCup pic.twitter.com/85gyUpKPHN
— Johatsu (@The_Johatsu) November 4, 2023
New Zealand recorded their highest-ever total in ODI World Cup history, reaching 401/6 within their allotted 50 overs. In response, Pakistan had reached 200/1 in 25.3 overs when rain interrupted the game. Notably, Pakistan was 21 runs ahead of the DLS par score, and as the weather did not improve, they were declared the match winners, securing a 21-run victory via the DLS method.