Eyeing a berth in the semi-finals, India Legends faced off against South Africa Legends in a must-win encounter. The toss favored the Men in Blue, but quick fifties from Jacques Snyman and Richard Levi steered the Proteas to 210/8 in 20 overs.
In response, India struggled to build a significant partnership, losing wickets regularly. The Pathan brothers showed valiant effort to withstand the opposition bowlers, but their 56-run partnership ended in a disastrous mix-up, leaving a sour taste in spectators’ minds.
On the first ball of the 19th over, Dale Steyn bowled a full delivery wide outside off-stump, which Irfan miscued on an attempted loft towards long-off.
Jacques Kallis, running back from inside the circle, failed to grab the ball, but Dane Villas covered from long-on and made a throw towards the bowler’s end with Irfan stuck halfway through the pitch. Yusuf, the elder brother, denied a second run to Irfan, unintentionally aiding South Africa in breaking the building partnership.
Irfan Pathan aur Yusuf Pathan chilla chilli machate hue.#ChampionsTrophy #irfanpathan #CricketLegend #bcci #clashofcampions pic.twitter.com/gkqjdaR1aY
— M Wasif Irani (@IraniMughal) July 11, 2024
Irfan was visibly upset with Yusuf’s poor running between the wickets and was seen reprimanding him for the mix-up. This wicket, the last recognized pair for the India Legends, made it easier for South Africa to secure a victory. Irfan’s outburst at his elder brother in the heat of the moment attracted divided opinions from the Twitterverse.
