Hyderabad: T20 cricket is a game with small margins. The cliché never grows old. Given the volatility of the game’s shortest format, every second of the game is crucial to its outcome. One mistake can be costly, turning players into villains immediately, especially in big ticket events like the World Cup. Although players strive to give their best for the country, they have been subjected to online abuse and threats.
Here’s a look at recent cases where some cricketers have turned villains into close-knit matches.
Hasan Ali T20 World Cup semi-final against Australia
Pakistani bowler Hasan Ali became a villain in Pakistan overnight after dropping a catch from Australia’s Matthew Wade. The Australian wicketkeeper went on to win the match for his team with a hat-trick of sixes in the 19th over from Shaheen Afridi that drove Pakistan out of the World Cup.
Fans abused him for the loss as Babar Azam-led team looked ready for their second T20 World Cup final before the shocking defeat. Even Babar, in a moment of emotion, blamed Hasan for the loss before re-tracking his comments after the game at the press conference, saying players could drop catches. Ali also faced death threats. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan has sent his support to the player and the team.
Chris Jordan in semi against New Zealand
England, the pre-tournament favorites, had a great time in the semi-final against New Zealand in the ongoing T20 World Cup. However, the 17th over, built by Chris Jordan, turned the tide for the Kiwi players. He conceded 23 runs, with Jimmy Neesham and Daryl Mitchell determining the fate of the match.
Former England players such as Nasser Hussian have dug into the bowler’s poor form in the innings in the recent past.
Bumrah in 2017 Champions Trophy final against Pakistan
There have been many cases in the past where one costly mistake made a cricketer a villain. India’s Jasprit Bumrah faced the heat of the fans when his mistake cost India the ICC Champions Trophy against Pakistan.
Fakhar Zaman was caught in the third over of the innings in Bumrah’s over. However, the bowler jumped over and the batsman scored 114 and Pakistan bagged the trophy with a victory of 180 runs. Even the Rajasthan police department used its exaggerated picture to warn the citizens on the roads.
Ben Stokes 2016 T20 WC Final vs Windies
One of the most celebrated versatile players around the world is England’s Ben Stokes. The star player became a villain in the 2016 T20 World Cup final for England. With 19 runs needed in the last over for West Indies to win, England were clear favorites.
However, Windies’ versatile Brathwaite beat Stokes for four consecutive sixes to clinch a second T20 World Cup for his team. However, Stokes got it right with his heroic performances in the Ashes and 2019 World Cup final against New Zealand which made him one of the most beloved cricketers.
Source: Telangana Today