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Pakistan and Welsh Fire speedster Haris Rauf found himself in an uncomfortable situation on Thursday during The Hundred 2024 match against the London Spirit at Lord’s.
Fan taunts Pakistani pacer
A fan in the crowd took it upon himself to remind the pacer of a painful memory of Virat Kohli‘s two match-winning sixes against him in the T20 World Cup 2022.
“Haris bhai Melbourne abhi bhi yaad aata hai? Virat ke 2 chakke, yaad hai? (Do you still remember Melbourne? Virat’s two sixes)” the troller said.
As Rauf was fielding near the boundary, the fan repeatedly referenced Kohli’s heroic shots, a clear attempt to provoke the Pakistani bowler. The incident was captured on camera and quickly went viral on social media.
Here’s the video:
Haris Tepiya is getting cooked by a random fan😂
"Melbourne abhi bhi yaad aata hai ?
Virat ke 2 chakke" pic.twitter.com/jKBVTemU2A— SURESH YADAV (@MyWaySkyWay17) August 2, 2024
Rauf’s performance overshadowed
While the unfortunate incident involving the fan undoubtedly grabbed headlines, Rauf’s bowling performance in the match itself deserves recognition. The right-arm pacer picked up three crucial wickets, demonstrating his skill and determination despite the distractions from the crowd. However, his efforts went in vain, as Welsh Fire suffered a defeat and was unable to defend a modest total of 94.
Also WATCH: Mitchell Santner’s unbelievable catch to see-off Sam Curran in The Hundred 2024
Virat Kohli’s Melbourne magic still resonates
The fan’s taunts were a direct reference to Kohli’s match-winning performance against Pakistan in the 2022 T20 World Cup. With Pakistan needing to defend a low total, Rauf was entrusted with the penultimate over.
However, Kohli, in a display of sheer brilliance, smashed two consecutive sixes to seal a dramatic victory for India. The incident left a lasting impression on cricket fans worldwide, and this particular spectator hadn’t forgotten it.
A stain on Cricket spirit
The incident has sparked debate about the behaviour of spectators and the line between passionate support and outright provocation. While cricket is known for its intense rivalries, such actions can create a hostile environment for players.
Cricket boards and authorities have a responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of players. Stronger measures may need to be implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future.
