Picture Credit: Twitter
Above all the cricketing rivalries, the sport at its essence should be about the sportsman spirit and playing the game the right way. While India and Pakistan faced off in a high-voltage encounter at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday and the Men in Blue had not lost a match against their arch-rivals in a World Cup encounter before, this time around India were completely outplayed by their opponents.
While constructive criticism about some aspects of India's performance is acceptable, India fast bowler Mohammed Shami was subject to online abuse, with several netizens labelling him a traitor and asking him to go to Pakistan. Amid such a tough time, Shami has received the backing of fellow members of the cricket fraternity.
While former India greats like Sachin Tendulkar, Virendra Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir have all posted in support of the right-arm experienced pacer, Shami is now even getting support from across the border from players of the Pakistan team.
Pakistan wicketkeeper batter Mohammad Rizwan who remained unbeaten on 79 from 55 balls in the 152-run chase against India and stitched a match-winning partnership with Babar Azam, has penned a heartfelt post for Shami. He termed Shami one of the best bowlers in the world.
"The kind of pressure, struggles & sacrifices a player has to go through for his country & his people is immeasurable. @MdShami11 is a star & indeed of the best bowlers in the world," Rizwan wrote.
"Please respect your stars. This game should bring people together & not divide 'em #Shami #PAKvIND," he added.
Check out the tweet here:
After the innings he played the other day against India and his support for Shami, Rizwan is winning the hearts of cricket fans both on and off the field. Pakistan would want him to fire with the bat once again on Tuesday when they play New Zealand in their second match against New Zealand.
A win against New Zealand would make them the frontrunners to qualify for the semifinals from their Group with relatively easier matches- against Afghanistan, Scotland and Namibia- lined up ahead. If India also qualifies for the semis, the two teams can meet yet again in the final.