The first Test between Pakistan and Australia turned out to be a thriller, but the second one was not short on action either. After the first Test ending up in a draw, Pakistan look set to clinch the second Test as they enjoy a lead of over 400 runs with almost 2 days of play left.
Although, amidst the intense battle between the two sides at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, the Aussies got to breathe a sigh of relief, atleast temporarily, at the expense of the Pakistani batsmen Azhar Ali and Asad Shafiq.
The incident happened in the 52nd over of Pakistan’s second innings, when Azhar Ali edged a Peter Siddle delivery to third man. Both the Pakistani batsman had thought that the ball had raced to the boundary line, but much to their shock it ended as another facepalm moment for the Pakistani cricket team.
The ball hadn’t reached the boundary line as Azhar Ali and Shafiq were seen having a chat in the middle of the pitch. Mitchell Starc used his great presence of mind to retrieve the ball, and throw it back to wicket-keeper Tim Paine, who quickly dismissed Azhar Ali in comical fashion. Here’s the video of the incident:
Schoolboy error! 🙈
Azhar Ali assumed that the ball had reached the boundary, and this brain fade led to a comical run-out that will make every highlight reel from the match! 😅#PAKvAUS #SPNSports pic.twitter.com/mYAGukuITB
— SPN- Sports (@SPNSportsIndia) October 18, 2018
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It turned out to be huge wicket in the context of the match, as Azhar Ali looked set for a big knock. The match commentators and fans around the world were left in disbelief as the Pakistani batsman threw away his wicket, and that to in such an embarrassing way for 64 runs. The incident became the butt of jokes on Twitter. Here are the best reactions:
After watching Marnus Labuschagne run-out in the 1st test and Azhar Ali returning the favor in the 2nd test, @ICC should seriously consider bringing in “Dumbest Run-Out of the Year” award. #PAKvsAUS 😀
— Mazahir Rizvi (@TheQambar) October 18, 2018
#PAKvAUS pic.twitter.com/rzMLNhalBz
— Kaju Katli (@MonkNxtDoor) October 18, 2018
😂😂 #KarnatakaElections pic.twitter.com/nDOCXBhjc7
— Akshay (@AkshayKatariyaa) October 18, 2018
This is the most embarrassing thing Pakistanis have done since challenging Sunny Deol in Gadar. https://t.co/n1QvHb2azZ
— Bollywood Gandu (@BollywoodGandu) October 18, 2018