Gulbadin Naib
Gulbadin Naib (Credits: Twitter)

Afghanistan captain Gulbadin Naib has probably become the public enemy number one after enduring a horrific day with both bat and ball in the narrow loss to arch-rivals Pakistan in the World Cup. He scored just 15 runs and conceded 73 runs in 9.4 overs in the low-scoring thriller. Pakistan beat Afghanistan by three wickets in one of the most thrilling games of the ongoing competition to condemn the latter to their eight straight defeat.

The game was very much in Afghanistan’s side before Naib’s over gave Pakistan the momentum. Pakistan needed 46 from the last five overs with just 4 wickets in hand. With Afghanistan spinners keeping things tight, the game was slightly drifting to their side. However, the complexion soon changed when Gulbadin Naib took the onus on himself to bowl the 46th over.

He conceded 18 runs in that over with Imad Wasim hitting him for three boundaries. Naib had the chance to redeem himself when he came to bowl the final over with Pakistan needing 6 runs. However, on the third ball of the innings he made a mess while collecting a throw and it cost his team two runs. Imad Wasim then hit the fourth ball for a four to seal the game for his side.

Twitter Blasts Gulbadin Naib For His Disastrous Performance Against Pakistan
(Credits: Getty)

Fought really well. Gave 100%. We missed opportunities to win. Credit to Pakistan, they controlled their nerves. Imad played really well. Shadab did well too, rotated strike. In this tournament, you’ll face these kinds of situations. Bad luck for us today, Hamid Hassan was injured. If he would’ve been there, would’ve been difficult for Pakistan. That was the turning point. Batsman need to take more responsibility. Thank you to the tremendous crowd here,” said Gulbadin Naib after the game.

With the win, Pakistan moved to the fourth spot in the points table while England dropped out of the top four. Pakistan continue to remain in contention for a semifinal spot while Afghanistan are still searching for their first win of this World Cup.

Meanwhile, Gulbadin Naib is facing the heat on Twitter after his poor day on the field. Here are some reactions.

https://twitter.com/SubodhYeole19/status/1145007551769010177

https://twitter.com/raj33191/status/1145007713216110595

https://twitter.com/bhartarmy/status/1145017797736652800