New Delhi: Rising India pacer Anshul Kamboj claimed the spotlight in a unique fashion as India A took on Pakistan A in the campaign opening clash of the ACC Men’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024 at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground on Saturday. After Tilak Varma-led India posted a reputable 183/8 in 20 overs, Pakistan were up for a significant run-chase and were given a hint of the aggressive mindset by a first-ball six from “generational talent” Mohammad Haris.
It was Kamboj opening the attack for India and hit for a massive six over the fine leg area off the very first delivery of the second innings. However, unlike the rest of the pacers, Kamboj wasn’t pressurised by it at all as he soon made a turnaround by removing the Pakistani opener. Haris, who was riding high on confidence with a first-ball six tried to play a cheeky scoop off the second but looked totally out of touch.
The ball crashed straight onto his leg stump, uprooting it first and then sending it for a very well cartwheel. Kamboj was pumped so were his teammates as they celebrated the early Pakistani dismissal. It was quite a sweet kind of revenge taken by Kamboj who showed the batter his way back to the pavilion, crushing his confidence.
Here’s the video of the incident –
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Pakistan five down in 15 overs
Kamboj soon struck for the second time in his very next over as he removed Omair Yousuf with the help of Nishant Sidhu on a score of 2. Next in line was Sidhu himself who sent back a set Yasir Khan with the help of a stunning catch from Ramandeep Singh. Yasir departed after a quick 33 and Qasim Akram followed him at 27 as Nehal Wadhera caught him off Sidhu’s bowling. Rasikh Salam chipped in as well, as he cleaned up Haider Ali at 9, leaving Pakistan at 126/5 in 15 overs.
