Ashwin stunned by Rizwan's 'bizarre' act, calls out rare incident during Pakistan vs Nepal Asia Cup match

 The "bizarre" incident that occurred during the Asia Cup 2023 opening against Pakistan and Nepal was extensively discussed by Ravichandran Ashwin.

In the opening game of the 2023 Asia Cup in Multan on Wednesday, Pakistan easily defeated Nepal by 238 runs. Babar Azam, the number one batsman in the world, hit his 19th ODI century with 151 off 131 balls, while Iftikhar Ahmed hit his first century with 109*, leading Pakistan to a commanding total of 342/6 in 50 overs. Both batsmen put on fantastic displays. The home team's bowlers subsequently kept up the attack, bowling Nepal out for just 104 in 23.4 overs, with pace bowlers Haris Rauf and Shaheen Shah Afridi each taking 2 wickets and leg-spinner Shadab Khan claiming 4/27.

The decision to bat first, however, put the hosts in a precarious position as it quickly lost wickets, with both Fakhar Zaman (14) and Imam ul Haq (5) retiring early. After some initial hiccups, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan's partnership appeared to be picking up steam as they neared middle age; however, Rizwan's innings was prematurely ended by an unexpected and quite unusual run-out.

Also read: Rizwan's odd "schoolboy" run-out in the PAK vs. NEP match causes Babar to chuck his cap in disdain and leaves the commentators perplexed

In the game's 24th over, Rizwan was chasing a single when his carefree racing between the wickets proved to be his undoing. Rizwan was sent packing by a direct hit from Nepal fielder Dipendra Singh Airee because Pakistan's wicketkeeper-batter was unable to quickly ground the bat. The instant the third umpire announced the wicket on the big screen, Babar lost all control of his emotions and hurled his cap in frustration.

While analysts and spectators alike were shocked by the decision, Ravichandran Ashwin, India's top off-spinner, was also taken aback by Rizwan's apparent carelessness as he approached the crease. Ashwin questioned the Pakistani goalkeeper's decision not to dive.

Although Rizwan typically dives to gain his ground while sprinting between the wickets, this is an uncommon case of him ducking for cover, and the sole reason is that he isn't wearing his helmet. The height of the toss made it harder for Rizwan to avoid.

He enjoys sweeping against spin, and doing so without a helmet makes it even stranger. He tweeted, "#PAKvsNEP."

https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99/status/1696845777870700749?t=Csk0wTjhM83gdRgsV0ePAw&s=19