Sri Lanka began their pursuit of 252 runs in 42 overs at a solid pace in a rain-affected match at the R Premadasa Stadium. After 15 overs, they had reached 89/2. The reason they faced such a challenging target was due to an outstanding performance by Mohammad Rizwan, who played a masterful innings of 86 not out from just 73 deliveries. His batting included six boundaries and two sixes.
Even after this remarkable display with the bat, Rizwan maintained his usual enthusiasm for the game, and his interesting actions behind the stumps became the highlight during the 10th over of Sri Lanka’s innings.
During this over, wrist-spinner Shadab Khan delivered a leg-break to Kusal Mendis on the last ball, enticing the right-handed batsman forward before deceiving him with sharp turn. Rizwan quickly seized the opportunity, collected the ball, and attempted to remove the bails.
However, he noticed that Mendis had managed to keep his foot within the crease, which he acknowledged with a slight frown. Nevertheless, Rizwan then gestured to the square-leg umpire, creating a box shape with his hands, indicating that the decision should be reviewed by the TV umpire. However, the on-field umpire was not convinced by Rizwan’s actions and proceeded to adjust the bails himself.
— Rashmi Tiwary (@RashmiMuz) September 15, 2023
Rizwan used this moment to display his playful side. After composing himself for a brief moment, he dramatically raised his arms and mimicked a passionate appeal, forcing the umpire to signal for the third umpire’s intervention. This entire incident left fans on Twitter amused, and they quickly took to social media to share their reactions.