Pakistan successfully reined in South Africa, making a remarkable comeback after the Proteas had a strong start in their pursuit of 271 runs at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. By the 20th over, they managed to reduce the South African side to 125/3. Amidst the enthusiastic Chennai crowd, a rather inconsequential yet entertaining moment occurred during the 17th over.
Haris Rauf geared up to bowl his fifth over with Aiden Markram at the crease. Markram attempted a wild pull shot but missed, and the ball swiftly passed beneath his bat. Markram, the middle-order batsman, briefly stood still, as is customary, while the ball made its way to the wicket-keeper.
He then started to move down the pitch for a chat with Rassie van der Dussen at the other end. In an unexpected turn of events, as Markram had just taken a few steps forward, he was startled by the sound of his stumps being shattered. Mohammad Rizwan had playfully tossed the ball at the wicket.
The potentially tense situation quickly dissolved as the Pakistani wicket-keeper broke into a wide grin, signaling that it was all in good fun. Markram, who had already glanced at the square-leg umpire to ensure the ball was not in play, responded with a sheepish smile, understanding the playful reference being made.
— Shamsi sinha (@SSinha23546) October 27, 2023
— Shamsi sinha (@SSinha23546) October 27, 2023
It was reminiscent of a recent incident in the Ashes, where Alex Carey had attempted a similar trick against Jonny Bairstow, much to the Englishman’s chagrin, but Carey had actually managed to get a wicket with his antics.