In pursuit of the formidable 186 runs set by Multan Sultans, powered by Mohammad Rizwan’s stellar 69-run innings off 47 balls, Quetta Gladiators embarked on a promising start with openers Saud Shakeel and Jason Roy setting the stage ablaze in the initial two overs, amassing a brisk 18/0.
Their partnership surged with a scintillating 13-run over off Mohammad Ali, highlighted by a boundary and a colossal six. However, the momentum hit a snag when David Willey dismissed Roy in the third over, inciting a tense altercation between Willey and Iftikhar Ahmad.
Willey delivered a well-pitched ball to Roy, angling towards the middle stump as Roy attempted to pull it. Yet, the ball sneaked through his bat and struck Roy’s pad, prompting a clear LBW decision from the umpire and sparking Willey’s jubilant reaction.
As Roy contemplated seeking advice from Shakeel for a potential review, Iftikhar Ahmed of Multan uttered remarks to Roy as he trudged back to the pavilion. This exchange escalated into a heated confrontation, with Roy responding to Iftikhar’s taunts, necessitating the umpire’s intervention.
Nazaren Ifthikar Ahmed ne Jason roy ke sar par balla phek ke mardiya ~ Yt Thumbnail#HBLPSL9 pic.twitter.com/NMDpwA3Kag
— dablew 🔪 (@waqastics) March 12, 2024
— Shanaka Kundu (@KunduShanaka) March 12, 2024
Visibly irked, the 33-year-old vented his frustration by tossing his bat and helmet on his way back to the dressing room. His vexation lingered in the sanctum of the dressing room, where he flung his glove and slammed his pads in a display of exasperation.