Watch: Shoaib Malik Wins Hearts By Consoling Afghanistan's Aftab Alam After Pakistan win
Pakistan star Shoaib Malik won hearts against Afghanistan in the Asia Cup not only with his bat but also with his heartwarming gesture.
Given the recent political tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, not many would have expected the players to share a smile on field let along showing any act of friendship. The way the fans of both the countries were reacting in the stands, it was very much clear that neither of the two sides were even remotely ready to end up on the losing side.
But one side had to lose and it was Afghanistan. The defeat, however, was tough pill to swallow for the Afghans. Defending 258, Afghanistan had to stop Pakistan from scoring 18 runs in the last two overs. Rashid Khan bowled a brilliant penultimate over. He began the over by conceding two singles. On the third delivery, he castled Mohammad Nawaz to put Afghanistan well on top.
However, Hasan Ali hit the first ball he faced for a six to ease off the pressure. But Rashid ended his over with two consecutive dot balls to keep his side well in hunt. The onus was now on Aftab Alam to defend 10 runs from the final over. The right-arm pacer started on a good note, bowling a dot ball. However, the next two deliveries went for a six and a four as Pakistan won the nail-biting thriller.
The second ball from Aftab was a short one which Malik deposited in the stand. The following was well on the long side and Malik once again comfortably steered it to the boundary ropes to take his team over the line.
And while Malik was celebrating the win, Aftab was finding it tough to stop tears coming out of his eyes. He was on his haunches with his face covered by his side as he looked inconsolable. Malik, however, showed remarkable sportsmanship and walked towards his opponent to console him. He was also joined by his teammate Hasan as the two consoled Aftab.
Here is a clip of that incident:
Shoaib Malik … you have won my heart ❤❤ A man with an epic class ??
Stay Blessed !!!@realshoaibmalik#PAKvAFG pic.twitter.com/QdfsDtW3Ye— Ammara Awan (@Ammaraa1782) September 21, 2018
