In the recent India vs Prime Minister’s XI tour match at the Manuka Oval in Canberra, Rohit Sharma showcased his playful side as he shared a humorous moment with substitute wicketkeeper Sarfaraz Khan. This lighthearted incident unfolded during the 23rd over of the Prime Minister’s XI innings, providing fans with some comic relief after a challenging day of cricket.
Sarfaraz Khan Fills In as Wicketkeeper for India
Rishabh Pant, the regular wicketkeeper for India, decided to take a break during the second day of the tour game, giving Sarfaraz Khan the opportunity to take up the gloves. Sarfaraz, who is not primarily a wicketkeeper, had an eventful time behind the stumps. It was during the 23rd over of the PM XI’s innings that the spotlight shifted to Sarfaraz, and not for the best of reasons.
The Hilarious Wicketkeeping Howler
During this over, Harshit Rana bowled a short-pitched delivery to Olivier Davies, which soared past the batter. Sarfaraz fumbled as he attempted to collect the ball, resulting in a rare mishap. As the ball rolled away, Rohit Sharma, in a playful and cheeky gesture, walked over and lightly punched Sarfaraz on the back. The two shared a laugh, and the incident was caught on camera, quickly going viral on social media.
This amusing moment from the match perfectly encapsulated the camaraderie and team spirit within the Indian squad, showcasing the lighter side of cricket even in the midst of intense competition.
India’s Strong Bowling Performance Despite the Rain Delay
The game began with a rain delay, which caused the first day to be washed out. However, Day 2 saw play resume with the game reduced to 50 overs per side. India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, won the toss and opted to bowl first, putting the Prime Minister’s XI to bat.
The Indian bowlers made an immediate impact, with Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj opening the attack in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah. Both bowlers struck early, dismissing key batsmen, including Matt Renshaw, who was the first to fall.
Akash Deep and Sam Konstas Shine
The rain break had its share of impact, as play was further reduced to 46 overs per side. After the delay, Akash Deep was on a roll, removing Jayden Goodwin and putting the PM XI in a spot of trouble at 22/2 within six overs.
Despite the early setbacks, the PM XI fought back through a stellar performance from 19-year-old Sam Konstas. His magnificent knock of 107 off 97 balls, including 14 boundaries and a six, anchored the innings. Alongside him, Jack Clayton (40) and Hanno Jacobs (61) contributed valuable runs. However, India managed to get the PM XI all out for 240 in just 43.2 overs.
India’s Bowling Attack: A Collective Effort
Harshit Rana emerged as the standout bowler for India, claiming impressive figures of 4/44 in six overs. The spin duo of Ravindra Jadeja (1/32) and Washington Sundar (1/38) also provided key breakthroughs, while Prasidh Krishna (1/37) and Akash Deep (2/58) continued to exert pressure. Mohammed Siraj also chipped in with a vital wicket, finishing with 1/18.
India’s balanced bowling attack ensured that despite the challenges posed by Konstas and his teammates, the PM XI was restricted to a competitive total.
Conclusion: A Memorable Day of Cricket
The India vs Prime Minister’s XI tour match was filled with significant moments, both on and off the field. Rohit Sharma’s playful interaction with Sarfaraz Khan added a touch of humor to the game, while the Indian team’s collective bowling effort showcased their resilience. As the match progresses, fans are eagerly waiting to see how the Indian team responds with the bat, but for now, the lighthearted exchange between Sharma and Khan will undoubtedly remain a highlight.
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