Watch: 'Jo baal bache hai, wo nikal jayenge' - Saba Karim brutally roasts Shoaib Akhtar

Former Indian wicket-keeper batsman Saba Karim took a blunt jibe at former Pakistani bowler Shoaib Akhtar. Karim and Akhtar are part of the commentary panel for the ILT20 2024. Ahead of the match between Desert Vipers and Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, both the players were part of the live broadcast, wherein Akhtar was one of the cricket experts along with Nikhil Chopra whereas Karim was presenting the pitch report.

While presenting the pitch report, Saba Karim mentioned that the spinners can get a bit of help from the pitch whereas the fast bowlers could struggle on the surface. However, Karim used a brilliant reference to explain this fact and stated that if Shoaib Akhtar bowls at this pitch, then he will lose the hairs that he has left on his head. Akhtar had a raw smile on his face while Karim was roasting him.

Watch – Saba Karim takes a dig at Shoaib Akhtar

Saba Karim said, “There is some help here for the spinners, but if Shoaib Akhtar has to bowl here then it is going to be a problem for him. Whatever hair is left on his head will also come out while bowling on this wicket.”

Shoaib Akhtar's answers are as quick as his 161.3 kmph delivery 🗣️

P.S. Saba Karim hope you're watching this 😅#DVvADKR | #DPWorldILT20onZee | #KoiKasarNahiChhodenge pic.twitter.com/UW1P0ghWz0

— Zee Cricket (@ilt20onzee) January 21, 2024

After hearing such blunt comments from Saba Karim, in response, Shoaib Akhtar stated that he has threatened many big names during his playing days with his pace. Akhtar further stated that the pace comes from the body rather than the pitch and the attitude comes from the mind rather than the ball.

Replying to Saba Karim, Shoaib Akhtar said, “I have scared the biggest batsmen of the world. What is this, friend, what is the matter Saba, what happened to you? you are supposed to be my friend. having said that tell me this, no matter what the wicket is, the pace is here (pointing towards the body) not in the wicket, attitude (pointing towards the mind) is here not in the ball.”

Getting back to the ILT20 match between the Desert Vipers and Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, the Vipers put up a score of 164/8 while batting first in Dubai. Adam Hose was the highest run scorer of the Vipers innings and scored 45 runs from 30 balls with 4 fours and 1 six. Other than Hose, no other batsman was able to show much impact and got out after scoring 10 to 20 odd runs.

Ali Khan was the pick of the bowlers for the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders and he ended the innings with three wickets. Sunil Narine picked up 2 wickets whereas David Willey, Imad Wasim, and Josh Little ended up with 1 wicket each.

Chasing down the target, the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders have already lost 3 wickets for 91 runs and are trying to rebuild their innings and will be aiming to get over the line. Alishan Sharafu and Sam Hain were dismissed for 1 run each whereas Michael Pepper scored 36 runs from 25 balls.

Andries Gous has already completed his half-century and is anchoring the chase for the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders. Knight Riders still have Andre Russell who can prove to be dangerous for the Desert Vipers and can help his team win the match.