Opting to bat first in the humid Sharjah conditions after their previous ODI loss, Bangladesh’s decision paid off early. Despite Tanzid Hasan Tamim’s early dismissal in the first powerplay, solid fifty-plus partnerships for the second and third wickets put Bangladesh in a strong position.
However, the Afghan spinners struck between the 32nd and 40th overs, claiming four wickets and bringing Bangladesh’s innings to a standstill.
It was then up to Jaker Ali and the tail to lift the score to a competitive total. Unfortunately, Jaker suffered an injury during this phase, leaving his partner in a state of confusion.
After surviving a dropped catch at mid-off off the third ball of the 49th over, Jaker played a shot towards long-on for two runs, then aimed to repeat the same off the next delivery. But a fuller ball outside the stumps was mishit off the toe of the bat, sending it towards mid-wicket.
As Jaker sprinted for a run, a throw from the fielder aimed at the non-striker’s end put him in danger of being run out. In a desperate attempt to avoid the dismissal, Jaker collided with the umpire, who had moved left from his usual spot.
The collision slowed him down, and as Taskin was already halfway down the pitch calling for a second run, Jaker hurried back to the keeper’s end.
— Pandit Pranoob (@pranoob76889) November 9, 2024
However, he crumpled in pain, clutching his leg, and required immediate attention from the physio. The sight of a memorable debut ruined by such an unfortunate incident left fans heartbroken, and social media was flooded with sympathy for the young cricketer.