Shahid Afridi's iconic Performance Against India (Source: @ICC/x.com)
Rivalries are like the cherry on the cake, while the fierce competition between players forms the base. Throughout the sport’s rich history, many intense contests have dazzled fans, but few have matched the iconic clash between India and Pakistan.
As the Cold War often excites the fans, sometimes that crossed the boundaries as players often engaged in verbal battles. Among countless legendary moments, Shahid Afridi’s heroic last-over blitz stands out as a timeless classic etched in cricket history.
India-Pakistan Drama Ignites In The First Innings
Creating legacy across the tournaments and formats, India and Pakistan locked horns on the big stage of the Asia Cup 2014. As both sides collide in Mirpur, the cricket world witnessed another thrilling chapter of the India-Pakistan rivalry.
Batting first, Rohit Sharma led the charge with a scintillating half-century, but the Pakistani bowlers struck back, dismissing Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli cheaply. After that, Ambati Rayudu and Ravindra Jadeja’s half-centuries gave a massive boost to India’s innings.
Even India showcased a dead fight, Pakistan's bowlers grabbed the attention. Saeed Ajmal led the way with three wickets. Mohammad Talha and Mohammad Hafeez secured 2 wickets each. Their combined brilliance restricted Men in Blue to a competitive total of 245.
Afridi’s Explosive Finish Delivers Back-to-Back Sixes In Final Over
The drama ignited in the second innings when India's bowlers struggled to break Men in Green’s 71-run opening partnership. Though the Men in Green faced some heavy blows along the way, Mohammad Hafeez rose to the occasion, crafting a match-defining innings of 75 off 117 balls that set the tone for the chase.
After that, Indian bowlers tore through Pakistan’s batting lineup. In the 49th over, Bhubaneswar Kumar secured two crucial wickets, and the last over was handed over to Ravichandran Ashwin, aiming for a miracle. But the match turned out to be a different one.
In the first delivery of the last over, Ashwin dismissed Saeed Ajmal on a duck. Pressure mounted on the Men in Green, but Shahid Afridi stepped into the action. With nine runs needed off four balls, Afridi unleashed his power, sending the third delivery soaring for a massive six, reigniting Pakistan’s hopes.
At that moment, pressure shifted in the Men in Blue. On the next ball, Ashwin delivered a close-pitched delivery, and Afridi, giving himself just enough room, unleashed a wild swing that sent the ball crashing into the stands. Pakistan clinched a thrilling 1-wicket victory with two balls to spare.
The Celebration That Stole The Spotlight
On that historic day, Pakistan secured a thrilling win, yet the spotlight belonged to Shahid Afridi. His celebration was more iconic than the consecutive sixes that brought him there, and became a moment etched in cricketing history.
After smashing a colossal six to seal victory, Afridi planted a memorable kiss on Junaid Khan’s cheek, instantly stealing the spotlight. The India-Pakistan rivalry has always enthralled fans, not just as a game, but as a battle that grips hearts and nerves alike. In the history of India and Pakistan, Afridi’s heroic and viral celebration will be a forever milestone.
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