The third ODI between Pakistan and England played at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium is being rigorously investigated for the presence of any cricketing foul play. The way in which Pakistan batted, there seemed to be some activity of foul play and suspicion. As per sources within the ICC’s anti-corruption unit, there could have been potential match fixing for the third ODI. Sharjah has been a hub of match fixing and betting since the 1980’s and the venue was even banned by the Indian government till 2014.
ICC officials were tipped off before the game that Pakistan would underperform miserably in order to push the betting rates in favor of those, who bet a huge amount of money on Pakistan’s loss. Ironically, Pakistan indeed played atrociously, as there were 3 frustrating run outs in the Pakistan innings. The Pakistanis then dropped three sitters and missed an easy stumping. From being 132-2, they were all out for 208.
In the 20th over, Pakistan’s skipper Azhar Ali was run out after a dreadful call from experienced batsman Mohammad Hafeez. The return throw from backward point caught Ali well short of his crease.
At the 30.3 over mark, Sarfaraz Ahmad slogged unnecessarily on Moeen Ali’s bowling, commencing the collapse. 11 balls later, Mohammad Rizwan gently tapped the ball on the leg side, and began sprawling, as though he was in a garden. His partner Shoaib Malik did not move an inch, and by the time Rizwan could react, he was too late.
In the 42nd over, Shoaib Malik and Wahab Riaz had a terrible mix-up, leading to Malik’s downfall. In between, the shots played by Iftikhar Ahmed and Anwar Ali were pretty questionable as well.
It is believed that the amount of money placed on Pakistan’s defeat was double than usual, as per sources close to the ICC. If the rumors of an alleged match-fixing are true, then it will have disastrous consequences for Pakistani cricket.