England vs Pakistan: Shadab Khan and Sarfaraz Ahmed engage in verbal altercation during final ODI

Nothing really went Pakistan’s way in the recently-concluded ODI series against England as they suffered a 0-3 whitewash. While the Men in Green were outplayed in the first two matches, they put up an impressive fight in the third ODI. They, in fact, had the command in the major part of the contest but the Three Lions bounced back from behind and chased down 332 in 48 overs, winning the encounter by three wickets.

Besides some exciting battle between the bat and the ball, the third ODI at the Edgbaston in Birmingham also saw a verbal altercation between leg-spinner Shadab Khan and former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed. Although Ahmed wasn’t part of the playing XI, he came as cover for injured wicket-keeper Mohammad Rizwan. During the 44th over of the England innings, Lewis Gregory, batting at 77, mistimed a hit off Haris Rauf, and the ball lobbed up in the air.

Shadab and Sarfaraz were the two potential candidates to take the catch. In such cases, the wicket-keeper usually attempts to take the catch as he’s wearing the gloves. On this occasion, Ahmed wasn’t much interested in collecting the ball. Fortunately for the Men in Green, Shadab completed the catch despite expecting Ahmed to go for it.

Shadab Khan and Sarfaraz Ahmed exchanged a mouthful

Although the dangerous-looking Gregory was dismissed, Shadab wasn’t amused with Sarfaraz’s approach. This followed a stare and a couple of words towards the wicketkeeper. The former Pakistan skipper also didn’t hold back and strongly defended his decision of staying back. Subsequently, the duo seemed to have got involved in a war of words.

Kumar Sangakkara "Sarfaraz Ahmed had no interest in going for that catch, yet Shadab Khan was being told off by Sarfaraz for taking a catch that should have been taken by the wicket-keeper" #ENGvPAK #Cricket

— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) July 13, 2021

Speaking of the game, Babar Azam’s career-best 158 took Pakistan to 331/9 while batting first. In reply, England lost wickets at regular intervals and their defeat seemed highly likely. However, James Vince scored a brilliant ton to keep the Three Lions in the hunt. Gregory also made a quick-fire 77. The formalities were done by Craig Overton and Brydon Carse as the two fast bowlers played some handy shots in the end overs and took their side over the line.

Pakistan and England will now meet in a three-match T20I series, starting from June 16 in Nottingham. Having won the ODI leg, the home team would like to continue their winning run. On the other hand, Pakistan will have redemption in mind.