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Australia defeated Pakistan in the second semi-final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 by five wickets at the Dubai International Stadium on Thursday, November 11.
It was a tough fixture as Australia had to chase down 177, but a scintillating knock from wicketkeeper Matthew Wade helped them cross the finish line. David Warner scored a quick-fire 49, and amidst that, he hit a double-bounce delivery for a maximum.
The experienced batter’s decision to send Mohammad Hafeez’s wayward delivery into the stand drew criticism from some quarters.
Former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir terming it “absolutely pathetic” and slammed the Aussie opener for lack of sportsmanship.
“What an absolutely pathetic display of spirit of the game by Warner! #Shameful What say @ashwinravi99?,” tweeted Gambhir.
What an absolutely pathetic display of spirit of the game by Warner! #Shameful What say @ashwinravi99? pic.twitter.com/wVrssqOENW
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) November 11, 2021
But Australia head coach Justin Langer said he was impressed by Warner’s instinct to make a shot out of the ball that would have surprised any batsman.
“Oh my gosh! it’s one of the best things I have ever seen in the game of cricket. I don’t think anyone would have the instincts to do that,” Langer told reporters.
“Most people would not have been sure what to do. It’s a no-ball, and then to have the talent and ability to hit it for six, unbelievable.
“And then he walked of course when he nicked it, so anyone thinks it to be unsportsmanlike, probably evens it up a bit.”
Too much noise in the stadium: Langer
Soon after the incident, Warner walked back to the pavilion after he was given out caught behind. However, replays and ultra-edge confirmed that the ball did not touch his bat. Neither Warner nor Glenn Maxwell, who was at the non-striker’s end, opted for DRS.
Talking about the same, Langer said, “So much noise out there [at the stadium], honestly it was like a rock concert.
“I think we have all talked about it. He was surprised. Maxi was surprised, he was his partner when saw it on the replays later on in the innings. We will work through that.”
