AFG vs SA | Twitter in splits as footballer Rashid makes Burger play goalkeeper at non-striker's end

09/18/2024

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Injuries are the worst thing that can happen to any sporting talent, with no guarantees how the recovered body handles the stresses of elite competition. Rashid Khan found himself in a similar boat after a chronic back issue but was in great spirits upon his return to ODIs at Sharjah on Wednesday.

South Africa sufferred a horrifical collapse in their first ever bilateral encounter against Afghanistan as the visitors crumbled to 36/7 by the end of the powerplay. Rashid Khan, returning to the format after a year having last played at the ODI World Cup in India, seized the opportunity to flex his skills as skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi handed him the ball. After early struggles, the clinical wrist spinner finally opened his account in his sixth over with a brilliant googly to sound Bjorn Fortuin the death rattle, bringing Nandre Burger to the crease. With his team racing towards a big win, Rashid seemed to be in a great mood as evident in his antics in the 26th over.

Bowling to Wiaan Mulder, Rashid dished a striaght full delivery that was pushed back to him by the Proteas batter. Rashiddecided to ttry and juggle the ball back in his hand but could not really ace his attempt as the Kookaburra seemed to wobble out of control. The veteran dried to some damage limitation with one final big kick with his outstretched leg, hoping to redirect the ball back towards himself. However, it fleew past the Afghan and straight into the hands of Burger at the non-striker's end.

Both players were all smiles as the Saffa handed Rashid the ball and Twitterati was equally amused by the wholesome incident.

WOW! That's impressive!

pic.twitter.com/iDF9m2p3uL
— Gill Bill (@bill_gill76078) September 18, 2024

So cute!

Cute little fan of king Rashid Khan 🔥🇦🇫❤️ pic.twitter.com/AvsPcvJagc
— Nasro Salik (@NasroSalik) September 18, 2024

He's a superstar!

Rashid Khan Rashid Khan has been Afghanistan's first global superstar, and the key to their successes in their early years in international cricket
— Raza Khokhar🇦🇪 (@raxaa4u) September 18, 2024

Naah! LOL xD

I am smelling afganistan bottling another game from winning position #SAvsAFG
— Pj (@PjPriyank2) September 18, 2024

Brilliant with the bat!

Wiaan Mulder is a nice batter🔥🔥🔥.

Sa 92-8#SavsAfg #CricketTwitter
— ASHER.🇮🇳. (@ASHUTOSHAB10731) September 18, 2024

LOL! They didn't score 120 even!

Shoo #proteafire playing T20 match. #SAvsAFG
— Paresh Mistry (@PareshMistry) September 18, 2024

What are you talking?

South Africa don't have Maxwell who play unforgettable innings against Afghanistan. Poor Africans #SAvsAFG
— Early Bird 🕊️ (@5ulphuric_Acid) September 18, 2024

Fancode!