Pakistan exacted Group Stage's revenge with a five-wicket victory against arch-rivals India in the Asia Cup's Super Fours' clash on Sunday (September 4).
In a thrilling contest, riding on a responsible 71 off 51 Pakistan chased down the 182-run target in a last-over drama with five-wickets to spare. But more than the nail-biter match what grabbed everyone's eyes and sparked controversy when Arshdeep dropped Asif Ali's catch in the penultimate over when the batter was yet to open the his run account. Right after getting a reprieve, Asif went on to bludgeon two boundaries and a six to take the game away from India.
Though got a chance to redeem himself as he was handed the onus to bowl the last over. He made a superb comeback as he bowled a splendid final over and kept India in the hunt till the penultimate ball. But ever since the hapless youngster came in radar of the trollers who started blaming Arshdeep for the loss against Pakistan.
Internet trolls, however, were having none of it and decided to target the young cricketer after the defeat, targeting his Sikh identity by branding him “Traitor” and “Khalistani” among other things. “Khalistani” was in fact among the top trends on Twitter in India the morning after the defeat. It brought back memories of the way Mohammed Shami was trolled online after India’s loss to Pakistan in the T20 World Cup — also at the same venue last year.
Meanwhile, several cricketers came to Arshdeep's rescue including former Pakistan skipper Mohammad Hafeez, former India ace spinner Harbhajan Singh and former India pacer Irfan Pathan. Even Virat Kohli threw his weight behind the young pacer in the post match press conference.
Hafeez requested fans to not 'humiliate' the youngster as anyone could make mistakes.
“My request to all Indian team fans. In sports we make mistakes as we r human. Please don't humiliate anyone on these mistakes. @arshdeepsinghh,” Hafeez tweeted.
