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Afghanistan‘s dramatic journey in the Asia Cup 2023 came to a heartbreaking end as they narrowly missed out on the Super 4 stage. Facing Sri Lanka in a must-win game at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, Afghanistan had to chase a target of 292 in 37.1 overs to qualify due to net run rate considerations. They came agonizingly close, reaching 289-8 at the end of 36 overs.
In a dramatic climax, Mohammad Nabi‘s explosive knock and valuable contributions from Rashid Khan, Najibullah Zadran and Karim Janat brought the equation down to just three runs required off the final ball. However, a crucial misunderstanding unfolded as Mujeeb Ur Rahman attempted a lofted shot off Dhananjaya de Silva but could only find Sadeera Samarawickrama patrolling the boundary.
Also READ: Twitter reactions: Afghanistan miss Super 4 qualification by a whisker as Sri Lanka hold nerve in a thrilling clash – Asia Cup 2023
Farooqi’s critical error during the pivotal moment and fans’ letdown
What followed was a perplexing tactical lapse. To the surprise of many, Afghanistan still had a chance to advance to the Super 4 stage if they could muster a six on one of the next three deliveries. Nevertheless, Fazalhaq Farooqi, who replaced Mujeeb, chose to block༒ the next two deliveries of Dhananjaya and was subsequently adjudged leg before wicket on the third ball.
This strategic oversight triggered a wave of reactions on social media as fans shared their thoughts on this thrilling contest and expressed disappointment over Farooqi’s apparent lack of awareness of the game situation.
Here’s how Twitter reacter:
Fazalhaq Farooqi today 😭
ll ll ll
— Nisha (@NishaRo45_)
Fazalhaq Farooqi
— Haseeb (@HaseebTweets)
This Farooqiꩲ manages to lose it for Afghanistan from Winning situations be it bowling or batting 🤣��
— Shivani (@meme_ki_diwani)
I don’t think I’ve seen a cricꩲketer who’s worse under pressure t🥂han Fazalhaq Farooqi. So many times he costs his team at a crucial time🤦♂️
— Haroon (@hazharoon)
Fazalha𒁃q Farooqi when he’ll get to know that he had the chance to wi✤n
— peer haseeb (@haseebpeer6)
Fazalhaq Farooqi when it’s time to win th♕e game for Afghanistan:
— Uncle Tony (@QaIandar)
Fazalhaq Farooqi while 🎉෴returning to the pavilion with sri lanka team
— Pulkit🇮🇳 (@pulkit5Dx)
What Thisඣ Bludജ Fazalhaq Farooqi Was Trying To Do ??
— Aufridi Chumtya (@ShuhidAufridi)
