Gautam Gambhir has questioned former Australian cricket legends Shane Warne and Ricky Ponting over their silence on opener David Warner’s unsportsmanlike act in the T20 World Cup 2021 semi-final against Pakistan. Gautam Gambhir has even branded the incident ‘shameful’ and ‘pathetic’.
Cricket, like every game, is supposed to be played by the rulebook, but certain grey areas continue to be debated about. While Mankading has been one subject that has divided cricket lovers for a long time, an act by David Warner in the T20 World Cup 2021 semi-final against Pakistan has seen the Australian opener being branded ‘unsportsmanlike’.
Gautam Gambhir Questioned Shane Warne And Ricky Ponting For Their Silence On David Warner’s ‘Shameful’ Act Of Hitting A Six Off A Mohammad Hafeez Ball Which Slipped Out Of His Hands
Gautam Gambhir — a former opening batsman, full-time politician, and part-time pundit — has been quite vocal about the day-to-day cricketing affairs. Having seen Australian opener David Warner exploit a two-bouncer delivery by Mohammed Hafeez after the ball slipped out of his hands in the match on Thursday, Gautam Gambhir didn’t just take a swipe at the Aussie southpaw but also targeted spin legend, Shane Warne.
On the set of Star Sports, Gautam Gambhir targeted Shane Warne asking why hasn’t the iconic cricketer commented on the incident that saw David Warner hitting a six against Mohammed Hafeez despite knowing that the ball had slipped out of the Pakistani all-rounder’s hand.
“Shane Warne comments and tweets on everything. Even Ricky Ponting makes big, big claims about the spirit of the game. What have they got to say about this?” said Gautam Gambhir while speaking on the broadcaster’s post-match show after the Pakistan vs Australia match.
“When Ashwin does Mankad, they come up with big comments. Today, what has Shane Warne got to say about David Warner? Because it’s easy to criticize someone but extremely difficult to criticize your own players,” Gautam Gambhir added.
Gambhir had also taken to Twitter to brand Warner’s act ‘absolutely pathetic’ and ‘shameful. “What an absolutely pathetic display of spirit of the game by Warner! #Shameful What say @ashwinravi99?”, Gautam Gambhir had written.
David Warner scored a quickfire 49 off 30 balls, taking the attack to the Pakistani bowlers before being dismissed by spinner Shadab Khan. In fact, his dismissal was also a curious one. The left-hander hadn’t quite edged the delivery into the hands of wicket-keeper Mohammad Rizwan, yet he decided to walk off.
Later, even the UltraEdge showed that there was a huge gap between David Warner’s bat and ball. But, with the non-striker Glenn Maxwell also acknowledging that there was a noise when the ball went past David Warner’s blade, a review wasn’t taken.
Matthew Wade And Marcus Stoinis’ Cameos Takes Australia Over The Line In A Pulsating Finish
Australia beat Pakistan by five wickets in the 2nd semi-final in Dubai. Marcus Stoinis (40*) & Matthew Wade (41*) took the team over the line in a pulsating finish.
Pakistan set Australia a target of 177 in 20 overs in the 2nd semi-final in Dubai. In response, Australia lost their skipper Aaron Finch on a golden duck as Shaheen Afridi trapped him LBW in the first over. Then, David Warner and Mitchell Marsh rebuilt, stitching half-century stand. However, the joy was short-lived as Shadab Khan sent Mitchell Marsh packing on 28 to leave Australia on 57/2 after 7 overs. Then, Steve Smith fell cheaply on five as Shadab Khan’s twin strike rocked Australia.
But David Warner continued on his merry way, smashing 49 before being sent packing by Shadab Khan. Australia reached 95/4 after 12 overs. Glenn Maxwell didn’t last long either as Shadab Khan bagged the fourth scalp, and Australia reached 127/5 in 16 overs.
All eyes were on their key man, Marcus Stoinis. He, along with Matthew Wade, put on 81 runs for the 6th wicket in just 6.3 overs to take their side over the line.
Marcus Stoinis smashed 40 not-out, while Matthew Wade hit 41* off 17 balls. 22 runs were needed in the last 12 balls, and Matthew Wade took Australia home with 6 balls to spare. Shaheen Shah Afridi got hammered for three sixes in a row in the penultimate over.