Bangladesh vs Pakistan: Shaheen Shah Afridi hurts Afif Hossain after hurling the ball back at him in second T20I

Pakistan left-arm fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi found himself in a bit of a tangle during Pakistan’s second T20I against the Mahmudullah-led Bangladesh on Saturday, November 20 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka. The speedster, inadvertently, injured left-handed batter Afif Hossain Dhrubo while bowling his second over after the Tigers opted to bat first.

Afif came to bat in the third over after Mohammad Wasim Jr. accounted for opener Mohammad Naim’s wicket. The batter started his knock in an audacious manner, hitting Afridi for a massive six. Afridi bowled a half-volley and Afif flicked the ball over the leg side boundary without much fuss. It was in the very next ball when Shaheen lost his cool and composure to a large extent.

Shaheen Afridi throws the ball ferociously

Afridi bowled a good-length deliver and Afif played a defensive shot, showing the full face of the bat. Thereafter, Afridi collected the ball in his run-up and threw the ball rather ferociously at Afif. Shaheen was more than half-way down the track when he hurled the leather at the batter. After copping the blow, Afifi fell flat on the ground and looked to be in a lot of discomfort.

Afridi was most probably aiming for the stumps, but smashed Afif on his ankle. Shaheen was quick to raise his arms and apologise to the batter. Later, skipper Babar Azam also came and checked on Afif’s well-being. The Bangladesh batter went on to score 20 off 21 before Shadab Khan got him. Afridi, on the other hand, had dismissed opener Saif Hassan for a golden duck.

Here’s the video

Gets hit for a 6 and Shaheen Shah loses his control next ball!

I get the aggression but this was unnecessary. It was good however that he went straight to apologize after this.#BANvPAK pic.twitter.com/PM5K9LZBiu

— Israr Ahmed Hashmi (@IamIsrarHashmi) November 20, 2021

A few days ago, a similar incident took place in the Sheffield Shield, Australia’s domestic first-class tournament. Victoria’s James Pattinson hurled the ball back at New South Wales’ Daniel Hughes, who was hit on the ankle. The bowler apologised even as the batter looked in plenty of pain.

Cricket Australia later fined Pattinson 100 per cent of his match fees. Pattinson was also handed a one-match ban, meaning that he didn’t play in Victoria’s one day match against NSW last Friday. Pattinson has already retired from international cricket.