'Cricket is a funny game' - Marnus Labuschagne on ICC's clip lauding Nepal cricketer promoting spirit of game

Australia batting sensation Marnus Labuschagne has commented on the recent sportsmanship spirit featuring Nepal wicketkeeper Aasif Sheikh. It so happened that Sheikh had shown a kind gesture by refusing to run Ireland’s Andy McBrine out after he fell while attempting a single during an Oman Quadrangular T20 Series fixture at Al Amerat on February 14. On the third ball of the penultimate over of the first innings, the Irish team needed some quick runs to finish on a positive note and that is when the batter had lost his balance while running towards the strikers’ end.

However, the keeper collected the ball neatly and despite the batter is well short of his ground, the former did not even attempt to dislodge the bails. The video went viral in no time and Sheikh was lauded by one and all for his sportsmanship spirit. The Nepal stumper’s act also earned the International Cricket Council (ICC)’s praise and the governing body of world cricket gave him a special mention on social media.

Where do you sit, says Marnus Labuschagne

After the ICC had lauded Aasif Sheikh for promoting the spirit of the game, Marnus Labushagne replied on the video as he wrote ‘One half say it’s the right decision & the fair thing to do. The other say “mankad him” haha. Cricket is a funny game. Where do you sit?’

One half say it's the right decision & the fair thing to do. The other say "mankad him" haha. Cricket is a funny game. Where do you sit? https://t.co/VP4RU8N5VR

— Marnus Labuschagne (@marnus3cricket) February 17, 2022

Coming back to the contest, Nepal displayed a brilliant performance on the field after having won the toss and restricted Ireland to 127 from their 20 overs as George Dockrell top-scored with 28 runs off 22 deliveries. Dipendra Singh Airee was the pick of the bowlers for Nepal with figures of 4/21 from his four overs at an economy of 5.25.

In reply, the Sandeep Lamichhane-led side kept on losing wickets at regular intervals despite getting off to a decent start which hampered their run chase. Barring Aasif Sheikh (23) and Dipendra Singh Airee (28), none of the batters could make any impact as Nepal were restricted to 111/9 from their 20 overs as Ireland went on to register a 16-run win. Airee was adjudged the Man of the Match for his all-round performances that also saw him take a couple of catches in the first innings.