Afghanistan left-arm pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi had everyone on the edge of their seats when he pushed South Africa's Aiden Markram during their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 clash at the National Stadium, Karachi on February 21. Former South Africa captain Shaun Pollock was not sure whether it was a friendly exchange between the former Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) teammates.
The incident took place in the final over of South Africa's innings. Farooqi followed a dot ball with a yorker. Markram dug it out towards extra cover and scampered for a single. As Markram reaches the non-striker's end, Farooqi pushed the Proteas batter. Markram stared at first and showed his bat but then smiled. The umpire did not intervene either as he realised it was banter between the two cricketers.
Meanwhile commentators Pommie Mbangwa and Pollock were left confused by the exchange.
"Wonder if that was friendly or not. Clearly, it's friendly enough," Mbangwa said as he questioned the act.
"Is it? Not so sure it was friendly," Pollock replied.
"Don't know. Can't do it any other way unless it was," Mbangwa said with an uncertain tone.
Markram's blazing fifty
Farooqi had a tough day at the office as he conceded 59 runs from eight overs. The only he wicket he took was of David Miller in the 48th over of the innings. Meanwhile, Markram remained unbeaten for 52 off 36 balls featuring six fours and a six. He took South Africa's score to 315/6.
Comprehensive win for South Africa
Apart from Ryan Rickelton's century, skipper Temba Bavuma and Rassie van der Dussen scored half-centuries after opting to bat first. In the run chase, Afghanistan's top-order failed. Rahmat Shah scored 90 off 92 balls but did not get enough support. Afghanistan were bowled out for 208 in 43.3 overs. South Africa won the match by a comprehensive margin of 107 runs.
