Pakistan and Sri Lanka gave fans a true example of cricketing spirit on Tuesday during their Asia Cup Super Fours clash in Abu Dhabi.
The fun started in the 13th over when Abrar Ahmed clean bowled Hasaranga and immediately copied the Sri Lankan star’s trademark celebration.
Later in the innings, Hasaranga returned the favor by celebrating in Abrar’s style after dismissing Saim Ayub.
Both players laughed off the light-hearted exchanges and at the end of the match, they hugged each other, showing pure sportsmanship.
Abrar Ahmed later shared a picture with Hasaranga on his Instagram story, calling him a “great bowler and great man.”
The moment won the internet over. Former Sri Lankan captain Dimuth Karunaratne praised the spirit and wrote, “Yesterday’s PAK vs SL game proved it again, cricket is bigger than runs & wickets. Wanindu & Abrar showed pure sportsmanship, pure respect. ❤️ ”
Fans quickly joined in with strong reactions. One user wrote: “Well said. Cricket is so beautiful when India is not playing.” Another wrote this, “This is how a cricket match should end.” A fan said, “We are brothers. This is lovely to see ♥️ Indian players cannot relate to this. BJP has messed up their brains.” Another user added, “Cricket without India truly feels like the gentleman’s game .”
One fan shared, “Look at them explaining themselves man I love this game sometimes.” Another commented, “Hasaranga and Abrar Ahmad copied each other’s celebration style, and now they are hugging and happily greeting each other. This is what we call cricket.”
It merits mention that in both group and Super Four matches against Pakistan, the Indian team displayed unsportsmanlike attitude. At the toss, Indian captain did not shake hands with Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha. After defeating Pakistan, Indian players closed their dressing room door to avoid meeting the Pakistani squad. They repeated the same in the Super Four clash, skipping handshakes at the toss and avoiding interaction after the win.
Pakistan on Tuesday night defeated Sri Lanka by five wickets in a crucial Super Fours match of the Asia Cup.
Pakistan will now face Bangladesh in a must-win clash on September 25. The Asia Cup final is scheduled to be played on September 28.