"C'mon Gibbsy Hit Me": Shoaib Akhtar, Herschelle Gibbs' Banter Over 2000 Sharjah ODI

The tri-series between India, Pakistan and South Africa in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2000 was one of the finest competitions of those time. Although, Pakistan came out on top due to their sheer brilliance, they were engaged with South Africa, in a low-scoring thriller before the summit clash in Sharjah.

India were knocked-out with Pakistan and South Africa being the eventual finalists. In the match before the final, Pakistan opted to bat and could only manage to score 168 runs. In response, both the South African openers Herschelle Gibbs (59 not out) and Gary Kirsten (retd hurt) remained unbeaten, as Pakistan won the match by 67 runs.

Shoaib Akhtar to Herschelle Gibbs in the match: “cmon gibbsy hit me in front of square”

Shoaib Akhtar was quite a character. He used to speak on the face of the opponents and never backed off. In the low-scoring thriller, Akhtar played a key role as the wreaker-in-chief, picking up three wickets. He, however, could not dismiss Gibbs who continued to lose his partners from the other end.

Check out the banter between Akhtar and Gibbs here:

https://twitter.com/hershybru/status/1267108852371202049

Do you remember how hot it was @hershybru?
It wasn't even a spell, it was one over. Lol
In such weather conditions, i was always in a hurry ?? https://t.co/zVB14wAVAq

— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) May 31, 2020

https://twitter.com/hershybru/status/1267165169186222088

Good times man!
I hope is all is well in these crazy times we are living in now. https://t.co/lZrHjEKU28

— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) May 31, 2020

The final of the tri-series was however a closely-fought contest with Pakistan beating South Africa by 16 runs. In the summit clash, Gibbs was the first wicket to fall for South Africa at 5 runs, to Pakistan pace legend Wasim Akram.