In the IPL 2023, Noor Ahmad, the 18-year-old spinner from Afghanistan, made a significant impact while playing for the Gujarat Titans. His impressive performance helped his team reach the finals, but unfortunately, they suffered a heartbreaking defeat at the hands of the Chennai Super Kings.
Dasun Shanaka, the limited-overs captain of Sri Lanka, was also part of the Gujarat franchise. He joined the team as a replacement for the injured Kane Williamson. Hardik Pandya, the team leader, often spoke about the camaraderie among the players in the dressing room, and this was evident when Afghanistan and Sri Lanka faced each other in the first ODI of a three-match series in Hambantota.
During the 43rd over, Noor took the ball with the intention of breaking the dangerous partnership between Shanaka, who had just arrived at the crease, and the well-set Charith Asalanka. It was crucial for Noor to halt their progress and save his team from conceding a big total.
On the fifth delivery of the over, Noor perfectly executed a disguised wrong ‘un, which drifted in before spinning away from Shanaka and hitting the stumps. It was his first wicket of the day after bowling six overs, and understandably, he was elated to dismiss his Gujarat Titans teammate.
However, in a heartwarming gesture, Noor consoled Shanaka by gently patting his back as the Sri Lankan batsman made his way back to the pavilion after scoring 17 runs off 16 balls.
— Spider Rashid (@RashidSpider) June 2, 2023
The incident didn’t go unnoticed by the Twitterati, who quickly picked up on Noor’s gesture and expressed their reactions soon after it happened.