[Watch] Ackermann Upholds Spirit Of Cricket By Refusing Single After Blocking Nabi

Mohammad Nabi celebrates a wicket against NED (AP)

Netherlands number three Colin Ackermann upheld the ‘Spirit of Cricket’ by refusing to take a single against Afghanistan in their recent World Cup 2023 faceoff in Lucknow. The cricketer sent back his on-strike partner Sybrand Engelbrecht during the 14th over of the Netherlands innings, after Ackermann had accidentally blocked spinner Mohammad Nabi from stopping the ball.

Ackermann applauded by Mohammad Nabi

Netherlands in-form number three batsman Colin Ackermann arrived to the crease within the opening over of the match, after Wesley Barresi was trapped in front of stumps by Afghan spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman.

The cricketer forged a 70-run partnership with Max O'Dowd for the second wicket, before the latter’s dismissal against the run-of-play paved way for Sybrand Engelbrecht. At a time when the two top-order batters were aiming to lead Netherlands recovery, Ackermann refused a single from Engelbrecht at the non-strikers, considering he accidentally collided with Mohammad Nabi, subsequently preventing the Afghanistan spinner from fielding the ball.

Nabi, well aware of Ackermann’s decision, applauded the Dutchman for his sporting move and gestured with a smile and a few words.

Colin Ackermann was eventually dismissed a while later owing to an untimely runout to worsen Netherlands troubles at 92-3. The Dutchmen also lost Bas de Leede and Saqib Zulfiqar in quick succession to slump to 113-6 inside the first 26 overs of the innings.

The match against Afghanistan marks a must-win one for both sides in the context of the 2023 World Cup, as well as for a possible qualification in the 2025 Champions Trophy slated to be hosted by Pakistan.

---

ALSO READ

[Watch] Mujeeb Ur Rahman's Dangerous Mystery Delivery Draws First Blood For AFG vs NZ

---