Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2023 got off to an entertaining start. Multan Sultans’ pacer Shahnawaz Dahani had a brainfade moment as he probably missed the easiest run out chance in PSL history.
The incident took place in the 17th over of the Lahore Qalandars' innings, Sikander Raza defended the back of the length delivery. Non-striker Hussain Talat wanted to take a quick non-existent single which Raza refused to take.
Dahani got hold of the ball as Talat crossed two-third of the pitch. Dahani could have ran and hit the stumps to run out Talat but he decided to throw it and missed. Dahani had enough time to pull off the direct hit but he faltered. As he missed the chance, his teammate Shan Masood even signalled that he should have tried underarm throw instead.
Commentator Waqar Younis was in utter disbelief as he said, "They are both at one end. He could have just run. WHY? WHY? God”. The other commentator could not control his laughter like many as they watched Dahani make a mess of a sure-shot run out.
The missed run out chance turned out to an expensive one for Sultans. Talat had scored just two runs when he got a reprieve. He contributed with a 12-ball 20 cameo before getting dismissed by Ihsanullah in the penultimate over. He helped Qalandars accelerate in slog overs and post a total of 175/6.
Dahani had an unimpressive outing as he conceded 40 runs from his quota of four overs. His only wicket came off the last ball of the innings when he dismissed Namibian all-rounder David Wiese.
Talat’s cameo turned out to be crucial as Qalandars won the game by just one run despite skipper Mohammad Rizwan's 50-ball 75.
Earlier the PSL opener was delayed by half an hour after fireworks from opening ceremony led to one of the floodlights catching fire. There were no casualties as fire brigade doused the flames in time.
