Former India's star wicketkeeper-batter Saba Karim brutally mocked Pakistani pace legend Shoaib Akhtar during their time on the commentary panel for the International League T20 (ILT20) 2024 tournament. Both were involved in the live broadcast before the Desert Vipers and Abu Dhabi Knight Riders match, with Akhtar serving as a cricket expert alongside Nikhil Chopra, and Karim delivering the pitch report.
While discussing the pitch conditions, Karim noted that spinners might find some assistance, while fast bowlers could have a tough time. He humorously used this observation to tease Akhtar, suggesting that if Akhtar were to bowl on this pitch, he might end up losing whatever hair he had left. Akhtar responded with a wry smile as Karim playfully ribbed him.
Saba Karim Teases Shoaib Akhtar
“There is some help here for the spinners, but if Shoaib Akhtar has to bowl here then it is going to be a problem for him. Whatever hair is left on his head will also come out while bowling on this wicket,” Saba Karim said.
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In response to Saba Karim's candid remarks, Shoaib Akhtar asserted that during his playing days, he intimidated many prominent players with his speed. He further explained that pace is generated by the body, not the pitch, and that the right attitude stems from the mind, not the ball.
“I have scared the biggest batsmen of the world. What is this, friend, what is the matter Saba, what happened to you? you are supposed to be my friend. having said that tell me this, no matter what the wicket is, the pace is here (pointing towards the body) not in the wicket, attitude (pointing towards the mind) is here not in the ball,” Shoaib Akhtar replied.
In the ILT20 clash between Desert Vipers and Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in Dubai, the Vipers set a target of 164/8 after batting first. Adam Hose led the scoring for the Vipers with a brisk 45 runs off 30 balls, including 4 fours and 1 six. Aside from Hose, the other batsmen struggled to make a significant impact, with most getting dismissed after scoring in the range of 10 to 20 runs.
Ali Khan stood out as the top bowler for the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, claiming three wickets. Sunil Narine took 2 wickets, while David Willey, Imad Wasim, and Josh Little each picked one wicket.
In their chase, the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders have already lost three wickets for 91 runs and are now focused on rebuilding their innings to reach the target. Alishan Sharafu and Sam Hain were both out for just 1 run each, whereas Michael Pepper contributed a notable 36 runs from 25 balls. Andries Gous is currently steering the chase with his half-century for the Knight Riders. With the dangerous Andre Russell still to bat, the Knight Riders have a key player who could potentially turn the game in their favor against the Desert Vipers.
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