A crucial 81-run partnership orchestrated by Sikandar Raza and Sam Billings, coupled with a couple of fortuitous hits from Jason Holder in the final moments, propelled Dubai Capitals to a competitive total of 170/7 against the Sharjah Warriors at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
The innings was marked by intense battles between bat and ball, but a surprising turn of events unfolded in the concluding phase, leading to a contentious cricketing episode.
Chris Woakes was entrusted with finishing off the innings for the Warriors and promptly dismissed the half-centurion Billings on the first delivery. As bowler Rahul Chopra faced the next ball, Holder, at the non-striker’s end, aimed to reclaim the strike.
Following Chopra’s unsuccessful attempt at a slog, Holder, the UAE player, failed to connect with the slower delivery and found himself stranded near the crease. Woakes, seizing the opportunity in his followthrough, caught Holder off guard, leaving him stuck halfway down the track like a deer in headlights with an inevitable dismissal looming.
In an unexpected turn, Holder employed a controversial tactic as he turned around, shifting tracks to run in the middle of the pitch, forming a barrier between Woakes and the stumps. The bowler, visibly angered, refrained from throwing initially but ultimately forcefully hurled the ball into Holder’s back.
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Despite the unprovoked blow, Holder, displaying sportsmanship, raised his arms in apology rather than lodging a complaint. With only four balls remaining, the Capitals chose not to appeal for obstructing the field, and Holder proceeded to contribute six runs to the total with a massive six. This incident ignited a heated debate on social media.