Mitchell Marsh labelled Gulbadin Naib’s infamous “rainstring” injury “one of the funniest things” he’d seen on a cricket field as the Afghanistan bowler looks set to play in the nation’s first-ever T20 World Cup semi-final.
Afghanistan overcame Bangladesh in a thrilling eight-run victory to knock Australia out of the tournament, but the contest could have been completed earlier and in highly controversial fashion.
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As rain rapidly approached and narrowly ahead under the DLS system, Afghanistan coach and former England international Jonathan Trott gestured for his troops to slow down play.
Almost instantly, Gulbadin, standing at first slip, dropped to the turf clutching his hamstring.
The heavens then opened up as the game was halted as Australia’s Adam Zampa dubbed Gulbadin’s supposed injury as “the old rainstring.”
Play was able to resume as Afghanistan eventually won to book a spot in the final four.
Although there may have been frustration among the Aussie camp at the time, Marsh was able to look back on the incident with a humorous perspective.
“I was almost in tears laughing and at the end of the day it had no bearing on the game,” Marsh said, per cricket.com.au.
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“So we can laugh about it now — but gee it was funny. It was outstanding.”
Gulbadin himself also commented on teammate Naveen Ul Haq’s Instagram post, writing: “Hey mate I am feeling not well … hamstring problem” along with a laughing emoji.
The Afghanistan bowler also posted an Instagram story alongside team physio Prasanth Panchada with the caption: “Wonders can happen”.
Gulbadin will hope to play a leading role when Afghanistan takes on South Africa in the semi finals on Thursday June 27, with play to begin at 10:30am (AEST).