U19 World Cup: Afghanistan Skipper Farhan Zakhil Apologetic After 'Mankading' Controversy

After Ravichandran Ashwin dismissed Jos Buttler with a ‘Mankad’ in the IPL 2019, there has been a lot of controversy surrounding the much-maligned tactic. As per the rules of cricket, ‘Mankading’ is legal, but is often considered against the ‘Spirit of Cricket’.

The ongoing ICC U19 World Cup 2020 also witnessed a controversial Mankading incident in the quarter-final match between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Well, Afghanistan bowler Noor Ahmad did opt for a ‘Mankad’ on Pakistani opener Mohammad Huraira while he was batting at 64.

? MANKAD ?

Noor Ahmed used the Mankad mode of dismissal to see off Pakistan's well-set Muhammad Hurraira for 64!

What do you make of it? ? #U19CWC | #AFGvPAK | #FutureStars pic.twitter.com/DoNKksj1KN

— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) January 31, 2020

Afghanistan skipper Farhan Zakhil has now admitted that his team’s decision to stoop low was not justified but they would not have done so if they were in a winning position.

Also Read: Pakistan Colts ‘Look Forward’ To Play India In Semis: Mohammad Huraira

Doing ‘Mankading’ not in the spirit of cricket: Farhan Zakhil

In the quarterfinal of the U19 World Cup, Pakistan were chasing the target of 190 runs set by Afghanistan. Huraira was playing well and looked set to take his team to victory.

Although, Noor dislodged the bails just as he came to deliver a ball, effectively dismissing Huraira as he was found to be well short of his crease. Upon consultation with the third umpire, the batsman was indeed given out.

While Pakistan did go on to win the game, Afghanistan skipper Zakhil has conceded that ‘Mankading’ is against the spirit of the sport and his team did it out of desperation to win.

“At that time, we realised let’s do something different to build pressure on Pakistan,” Zakhil told ESPNcricinfo.

“To be honest, it was not in the spirit of the game. But we wanted to win. It was a very important game for us. The people of Afghanistan wanted us to beat Pakistan. But it’s within the rules – and out is out,” Zakhil Added.

Meanwhile, Mohammad Huraira, for his part, admitted that it was his fault that he was out of the crease.

That winning feeling!#U19CWC | #AFGvPAK | #FutureStars pic.twitter.com/Vb6fNOIPAR

— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) February 1, 2020

Pakistan will now look forward to the clash with defending champions India in the semifinal on Tuesday, at Potchefstroom.

Also Read: James Anderson Pleads ICC To Scrap The ‘Mankading Law’