Afghanistan found themselves in a challenging spot after choosing to bat at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi, reaching 119/4 by the close of the 16th over. The innings needed a spark, and it was Sediqullah Atal who provided just that. Having already reached his half-century, Atal shifted gears by smashing two sixes and a four in a single over off Ateeq Iqbal, injecting momentum into the Afghan innings.
The late flourish continued with Azmatullah Omarzai taking center stage. In the penultimate over bowled by Ayush Shukla, Omarzai showcased his raw power and innovation. He dispatched a short delivery outside off-stump over long-on with a stroke reminiscent of a tennis forehand, before following it up with an astonishing loft over extra cover for another six.
As the assault grew fiercer, wicketkeeper Zeeshan Ali attempted to guide the visibly rattled Shukla. He urged the young bowler to remain calm and devise a plan to counter Omarzai’s aggression. However, Shukla, despite listening closely, could not execute effectively under pressure, conceding yet another six and a four. The final boundary not only demoralized the bowler but also brought Omarzai his maiden T20I fifty off just 20 deliveries.
— Why_Benstokes (@benstokes94425) September 9, 2025
Social media quickly latched on to the moment, with fans humorously noting how Zeeshan’s advice seemed to vanish into thin air. The comic contrast between the keeper’s earnest instructions and Shukla’s wayward bowling provided cricket Twitter with plenty of fodder.
Nevertheless, Shukla did manage to have the last laugh. On the fifth ball of the same over, he dismissed Omarzai, finally ending the carnage. Afghanistan, however, had already done the damage, finishing their innings on a commanding 188/6, setting up a daunting challenge for Hong Kong.