Cheating or injury? Netizens quip Afghanistan's Gulbadin Naib deserves Oscar for his 'acting' during Bangladesh match
Afghanistan all-rounder Gulbadin Naib's apparent bout of cramp during Afghanistan's Super Eight game against Bangladesh in St Vincent drew scrutiny from television commentators due to its timing at a critical juncture of the match. Afghanistan needed a win to secure a semi-final berth in the T20 World Cup 2024. In the 12 over, Bangladesh fell slightly behind the DLS par score and when rain threatened to disrupt the match, Afghanistan's coach Jonathan Trott appeared to signal his players to slow the game down.
During the 12th over, bowled by Noor Ahmad, Naib went down clutching his leg while fielding at first slip Naib was assisted off the field by teammates and support staff member. Meanwhile, it began to drizzle, and the pitch was covered. However, the injury and rain interruption were brief. When play resumed minutes later, Bangladesh's target was revised to 114 in 19 overs due to the DLS method. Najibullah Zadran substituted for Naib, who later returned to the field and bowled the 15th over, taking the wicket of Tanzim Hasan.
When questioned about the incident, Rashid downplayed its significance, stating that rain was uncontrollable and that the team was mentally prepared to play 20 overs and take ten wickets to secure their semi-final spot. He mentioned that Naib had cramps but managed to deliver a crucial wicket at a vital moment.
Time-wasting, whether by the batting or bowling side, is a punishable offense in cricket. Naib's dramatic fall, clutching his thigh after Trott's signal to slow the game, drew
