Gulbadin Naib Faking Injury Viral Video: Afghanistan secured a historic eight-wicket win (via DLS method) against Bangladesh in rain-hit AFG vs BAN T20 World Cup Super 8 match on Tuesday (June 25) in St Vincent. For the first time ever, Afghanistan have made it to the semi-finals of any ICC event. Rashid Khan & Co. will now square off against South Africa in T20 World Cup semifinal on Thursday (June 27).
Meanwhile, Afghanistan player Gulbadin Naib's apparent cramp during AFG vs BAN Super 8 match faced scrutiny from the commentators and fans, especially since it occurred at a critical juncture of the game.
Also on ABP Live | WATCH: 'Furious' Rashid Khan Loses Cool During AFG vs BAN Match, Throws Bat At Partner For Refusing Run
Rain interruptions in St Vincent marred AFG vs BAN Super 8 match, prompting speculation about a potential abandonment. If rain had completely halted play, AFG vs BAN match's outcome and the team advancing to the semifinals would have been determined by the Duckworth-Lewis (DLS) method.
Afghanistan gained a significant advantage when they dismissed two Bangladeshi batters in the 11th over, reducing their opponents to 80 for 7. By the 12th over, Bangladesh had fallen below the DLS par score, putting Afghanistan in winning position in case of match being called off due to rain.
Anticipating imminent rain that could halt or even stop AFG vs BAN match, Afghanistan's coach Jonathan Trott signaled his players to deliberately slow down the game and waste time.
It seemed like he was aiming to prevent Bangladesh from gaining an advantage in the Duckworth-Lewis (DLS) par score calculation by prolonging the match as much as possible before potential rain interruptions.
"The coach sends a message out to say slow it down, slow it down and the first slip just dives on the ground needlessly. That is unacceptable. Gone off anyway. I get that might have gone off anyway for the rain," said commentator Simon Doull during the match.
Commentator Pommie Mbangwa also quipped: "Oscar, Emmy?".
Watch below viral video of Gulbadin Naib's apparent cramp during AFG vs BAN match:
Despite the potential controversy surrounding Afghanistan's 'time-wasting strategy', it did not affect the final outcome of AFG vs BAN match. Afghanistan ultimately defeated Bangladesh by eight runs in a fair contest to secure a berth in the T20 World Cup semi-finals.