Steve Smith was recently seen playing a brilliant ploy of sportsmanship in the group stage match of the Champions Trophy against Afghanistan. The incident occurred in Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on February 28 (Friday)
So it was a decent gesture, Smith withdrawing an appeal for a run out against Noor Ahmad. It was the 24th over of Afghanistan’s innings.
On the last ball of the 47th over, Azmatullah Omarzai stroked a slower delivery to mid-wicket. Noor Ahmad, not realizing the over was incomplete, took a few steps down the crease at the striker’s end.
Australia’s wicketkeeper Josh Inglis raced in, picked up the ball, and broke the bails. This was a recognizable opportunity for Australia to force an appeal for Noor’s wicket.
But Smith stepped in before that review could happen, ordering that the appeal be withdrawn. Noor Ahmad was dismissed off the final ball of the innings for 6.
Afghanistan ended their innings at 273/10 in 50 overs with Noor’s wicket being the last to fall. Atal top-scored with 85 while Omarzai added 67 off 63 balls.
