In a memorable blunder and brain-fade moment, Mohammad Rizwan experienced a significant lapse in judgment when he listened to Adam Zampa’s suggestion to take a DRS review without hesitation during the 2nd ODI between Pakistan and Australia at the Adelaide Oval on Friday.
The amusing incident unfolded in the 35th over of the Australian innings when Naseem Shah bowled a bouncer that Adam Zampa attempted to pull. As the ball nestled into Zampa’s gloves, Rizwan, the Pakistan captain, made an appeal for a catch behind the wicket.
In a moment of uncertainty, Rizwan unexpectedly asked Zampa if there was any bat involved. Zampa, seizing the opportunity, playfully deceived Rizwan into opting for the DRS by saying, “You should take it.” He also poked fun at Rizwan’s reputation for incessantly appealing, saying, “You appeal for everything.” The exchange went as follows:
Rizwan: “You heard something?”
Zampa: “I don’t know. You blokes appeal for everything.”
Rizwan: “We may take it [DRS] now.”
Zampa: “Oh you should. You should.”
Here is the video:
https://x.com/cricketcomau/status/1854770409884799073
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Rizwan’s signaling for the review drew laughter from the commentary team. It wasn’t just the DRS decision that was humorous, the fact that he asked Adam Zampa if there was an edge made it all the more entertaining. Ultimately, the review revealed that there was clear space between the ball and the bat.
This comical moment occurred just after Rizwan had dropped a skier from Zampa. Having been one catch away from breaking the record for the most dismissals by a keeper in an ODI innings, Rizwan misjudged the catch despite being well-positioned. Shortly after, Shaheen Afridi missed another difficult chance, contributing to a total of four dropped catches for Pakistan in that innings.
Fortunately for Pakistan, these missteps and Rizwan’s DRS blunder did not prove costly, as they managed to bowl Australia out for just 163 runs. Haris Rauf shone with the ball, taking 5 wickets for 29 runs, while his fast-bowling partner Shaheen Afridi supported well with 3 for 26 in eight overs. Steve Smith was the lone Australian batter to show some resistance, scoring 35 runs off 48 balls.
Pakistan won the second ODI as by 9 wickets they scored 169/1 in 26.3 overs and now the 3-match series is tied at 1-1.
