Mixup of the Decade!! Afghanistan embarrass themselves in Sharjah involving Rahmat Shah (Watch Video)

Afghanistan’s pursuit of a 253-run target took a dramatic turn when an unfortunate lapse by Gulbadin Naib led to the crucial run-out of a well-set Rahmat Shah during the tense chase against Bangladesh in the second ODI at Sharjah on November 9.

The run-out came at a time when Afghanistan’s batting line-up was showing signs of resilience on the challenging pitch of Sharjah Cricket Stadium, but Gulbadin Naib’s moment of hesitation proved costly for both Rahmat Shah and the Afghan cricket team in the second ODI in Sharjah on Saturday.

The drama unfolds in Sharjah as Gulbadin Naib’s mid-pitch stumble runs Rahmat Shah out

After an early setback with Rahmanullah Gurbaz falling in the fourth over for just two runs, Sediqullah Atal (39) and Rahmat Shah (52) steadied the innings, pushing the Afghanistan cricket team past the 100-run mark. However, the chase grew tense as Bangladesh wicketkeeper Mustafizur Rahman struck, removing Afghan skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi (17) in the 29th over.

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The next over spelled disaster, as both Azmatullah Omarzai for duck and Rahmat were removed in quick succession. However, Rahmat’s dismissal was painful as he fell victim to a mix-up with Gulbadin Naib, who called for a risky run but then stalled, leaving the batter stranded mid-pitch at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

On the fifth delivery of the 30th over, the Afghanistan team found themselves in a costly mix-up that led to the dismissal of the in-form batter, Rahmat Shah. Nasum Ahmed delivered a good-length ball just outside off-stump, which Gulbadin Naib punched towards cover, instantly indicating an interest in taking a single.

Rahmat Shah sacrifices his wicket for Naib in the second ODI between Afghanistan and Bangladesh

Both batters initially committed, but, seeing the fielder charge in, Naib abruptly halted and dove back to the crease, leaving Rahmat stranded down the pitch. Rahmat, who had almost crossed the halfway line by then, was too far along to turn back, and both players ended up diving to reach the striker’s end.

The fielder threw the ball to Jaker Ali at the stumps, who calmly relayed it back to the bowler's end, where Nasum Ahmed completed the runout. Rahmat was forced to leave the field, as Naib decided against sacrificing his wicket. It was a disastrous mix-up for Rahmat, who had been batting solidly at 52 off 76 deliveries with five boundaries against Bangladesh.

Watch how Naib’s indecision ends Rahmat's promising knock in 2nd ODI here:

Comedy of errors 😂 pic.twitter.com/GS5fVB8mYh

— Out Of Context Cricket (@GemsOfCricket) November 9, 2024

The sudden departure of Rahmat created a gap that the Afghanistan side struggled to bridge, adding to the pressure of the already challenging run chase. Later, Naib was also dismissed for 26 runs, and then their all hopes were Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan.

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But Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Mahmudullah successfully removed Nabi for 17 and Rashid for 14 before they threatened Bangladesh in the second ODI in Sharjah. Afghanistan's lower order couldn’t contribute with the bat, and they eventually bowled out for 184 runs inside 44 overs.

With a 68-run win in the second ODI in Sharjah, Bangladesh tied the ongoing three-match ODI series 1-1, with the third and final ODI set to be played on Monday (November 11) at the same venue.