Shoaib Malik delighted to share T20I run-scoring spot with 'neighbour' Virat Kohli

While the political tension between India and Pakistan is at an all-time high in the wake of the Pulwama attack and its repercussions, it seems like the recent incidents have not affected the camaraderie between Pakistan veteran Shoaib Malik and Indian skipper Virat Kohli. Kohli, on Wednesday, roared back to form in T20Is, scoring a dazzling 72 not out against Australia in the second T20I.

The India star hit two fours and as many as six sixes during his 38-ball stay. His knock, however, eventually went in vain as Glenn Maxwell scored a sensational unbeaten 113 to help Australia chase down an imposing total of 191 with two balls remaining and seven wickets in hand. But while Kohli did not have much to cheer about from the game, he did manage to move northwards in the T20I run-scoring charts.

Kohli was fourth in the list of most runs scored by a player in T20Is. However, his 72-run helped him draw level with Malik as the joint third run-scorer. And it seems to have delighted the Pakistan star. Malik took to Twitter to express his delight over sharing the spot with his ‘neighbour, writing: “Delighted to share the #3 spot of T20I runs with my neighbour @imVkohli 🤗”

Here is Malik’s tweet

Goodwill gesture:

The tension between the two nations has reduced a bit after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, on Thursday, announced that Indian Air Force Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman would be returned to India as a goodwill gesture. Abhinandan had fallen in the enemy territory after his plane malfunctioned.

The decision has been hailed by cricketers from both the sides of the border as the likes of Sarfaraz Ahmed, Wasim Akram, Shoaib Akhtar, Harbhajan Singh, Navjot Singh Sidhu and others praised the move.

Meanwhile, the World Cup game between the two countries is likely to be held as the ICC is not at all in the mood to allow India to boycott it. There were calls to boycott the game after the attack but recent developments are in favour of the game. India and Pakistan are scheduled to take on each other on June 16 in Manchester.

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