Former cricketers Harbhajan Singh, Mohammad Hafeez and Irfan Pathan jumped to the defence of Arshdeep Singh after the India pacer’s dropped catch of Asif Ali proved to be the turning point in the clash between India and Pakistan on Sunday.
The arch-rivals met for the second time in this year’s Asia Cup in the Super Fours stage. After having won the toss, Babar Azam asked India to bat first. Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul got the Indian team off to a flyer and the momentum was carried on by Virat Kohli who scored a magnificent 60 off 44 balls. India were able to post a stiff target of 182 runs.
In response, Pakistan didn’t get off to the best of starts as they lost Azam early. Mohammad Rizwan batted brilliantly and received great support from Mohammad Nawaz, who scored 42 runs off 20 balls. Rizwan scored 71 off 41 deliveries.
However, the wicket of the Pakistan opener changed the complexion of the game and India had the momentum heading into the final few overs. Arshdeep Singh, however, dropped a simple catch that could have seen Asif Ali returning back to the pavilion.
This came back to haunt India as Ali ensured that Pakistan got home in the end with a ball to spare.
Harbhajan said that people should stop criticizing Arshdeep as no one drops a catch on purpose. He admitted that Pakistan were the better team on the day.
“Stop criticising young @arshdeepsinghh No one drop the catch purposely..we are proud of our boys .. Pakistan played better.. shame on such people who r putting our own guys down by saying cheap things on this platform bout arsh and team.. Arsh is GOLD,” said Harbhajan on Twitter.
Hafeez also lent his support to the Indian pacer by requesting the Indian fans not to humiliate the 23-year-old.
“My request to all Indian team fans. In sports we make mistakes as we r human. Please don’t humiliate anyone on these mistakes. @arshdeepsinghh,” said Hafeez.
Pathan also defended Arshdeep and said that he has a strong character.
“Arshdeep is a strong character. Stay that way boy. @arshdeepsinghh,” said Pathan.
