In a heartwarming display of sportsmanship, Pakistan’s left-handed batter Fakhar Zaman stepped off the cricket field to assist the groundstaff in covering the pitch amid heavy rainfall during the Asia Cup 2023 Super 4 match between arch-rivals India and Pakistan.
As the Colombo skies opened up, delaying the crucial encounter, Zaman, known for his explosive batting, showed his compassionate side by joining the groundstaff in their efforts to protect the playing surface. The unexpected act of kindness left both fans and players from both teams applauding his gesture.
The torrential rain brought the Super 4 clash to a standstill after just 24.1 overs of play, with both teams waiting for a break in the weather to continue the game. In these challenging conditions, Zaman’s involvement in the groundstaff’s activities showcased the spirit of unity and camaraderie that cricket is known for.
Here’s the video:
Fakhar Zaman helping the ground staff get the pitch covered. cute but bhai aap dua karo ground mein flood aa jaye, help na karo. #INDvsPAK pic.twitter.com/a3FMfrrHw0
— Dexie (@dexiewrites) September 10, 2023
Cameras capturing the scene showed Zaman, dressed in his Pakistan jersey, assisting the groundstaff in unrolling and securing the pitch covers. His hands-on approach resonated with fans, who quickly took to social media to praise his sportsmanship and dedication to the game.
Also READ: Asia Cup 2023: Netizens troll Pakistan for sloppy fielding against India in Super 4 clash
Fakhar Zaman helping the Ground-staffs.
Nice gesture from Fakhar. pic.twitter.com/s8orhZYoTA
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) September 10, 2023
Fakhar Zaman 👏 #INDvsPAK #AsiaCup2023 #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/AkQPTyI0Hz
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) September 10, 2023
Fakhar Zaman is an amazing human being tbh. so nice to see this pic.twitter.com/Nz5qQWLYaY
— N. (@itsallbakwas) September 10, 2023
Rain stops play with India at 147-2 after put in to bat first
Pakistan won the toss and elected to bowl first in the pivotal Super 4 stage match at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. India’s opening pair of Rohit Sharma (56 runs off 49 balls) and Shubman Gill (58 runs off 52 balls) got their team off to an exceptional start by putting together a partnership of 121 runs for the opening wicket. However, their promising knocks came to an end when Shadab Khan dismissed Rohit, and Shaheen Afridi took the wicket of Gill.
Also READ: Asia Cup 2023: Here’s why India batter Shreyas Iyer not playing today’s match against Pakistan
Following the dismissals of their openers, India’s momentum began to wane. At the point when rain intervened and play was halted, Virat Kohli was at the crease with 8 runs off 16 deliveries, while KL Rahul had scored 17 runs off 28 balls.
