'I remember Wasim Akram being angry' - Mohammad Kaif recalls anecdote from Indo-Pak clash in 2003 World Cup

Former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif recalled the time when former Pakistan pacer Wasim Akram got angry with his fellow teammate and all-rounder Abdul Razzaq. The incident took place during the high-profile India vs Pakistan match in the 2003 ODI World Cup. To note, the Men in Blue thrashed the Men in Green Pakistan and won that contest by six wickets to complete a resounding victory.

Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar played a vital role for the Indian side as he scored 98 runs and none of the Pakistani bowlers had answers to Sachin’s batting masterclass. However, the right-handed batter got a reprieve as Kaif told that former Pakistani all-rounder Abdul Razzaq was not stationed at his designated place, mid-off.

“Razzaq was literally standing next to the bowler instead of proper mid-off. Had he been standing at mid-off, Razzaq would have likely taken the catch to dismiss Tendulkar,” Kaif was quoted by Sportskeeda. After getting the reprieve, Tendulkar took a toll on the Pakistani bowlers as the iconic batter scored 98 runs off just 75 balls and stroked 12 fours and a six, which led India to a comfortable win.

The atmosphere during that match was just something else: Mohammad Kaif

“The atmosphere of that India-Pakistan match was just something else. The fans had come in great numbers to watch enthralling cricket. If Razzaq had taken Tendulkar’s catch at mid-off, the match could have been very tight. I remember Wasim Akram being angry at him for standing so far up. He was literally standing next to the bowler instead of proper mid-off,” Kaif said while speaking to Shoaib Akhtar.

To note, Pakistan went on to register a memorable 10-wicket victory against their arch-rivals India during the group stage of the 2021 T20 World Cup. Both teams will take on each other during the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia and the Men in Blue will be looking to settle the scores against Babar Azam’s men.