BRAMPTON: Pakistan’s first-choice all-rounder and finisher Iftikhar Ahmed coped with a disappointing dismissal in the GT20 Canada 2024.
Iftikhar, representing Bangla Tigers Mississauga in the second match of the six-team tournament, had an ideal chance to answer the critics with a match-winning knock.
But his return to the Global T20 Canada was completely contrasting as the right-handed batter could score a 24-ball 28 after coming out to bat at No.4 in the 190-run pursuit.
Iftikhar Ahmed struggled throughout his scratchy knock but it was his dismissal that caught the attention of cricket fans and online trolls.
The right-handed batter attempted a no-look short off a Zahoor Khan’s length delivery, pitched a tough outside leg.
Iftikhar tried to work it off his thigh and over the fine leg boundary but ended up handing a regulation catch to Dilpreet Bajwa.
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For the unversed, Bangla Tigers Mississauga got off to an unwanted start to their GT20 Canada 2024 campaign as they succumbed to a 33-run defeat against Montreal Tigers.
The Tigers, after being put into bat first, registered a commendable total of 189/6, courtesy of a combined effort.
Leading the way was Tim Seifert as he top-scored with a 24-ball 44, followed by Ashton Agar and Bajwa, 41 each, while Ben Manenti made an unbeaten 40.
David Wiese was the star with the ball for Bangla Tigers Mississauga with his three wickets.
In response, the Tigers were curtailed on 156/8 despite a blazing knock by Rahmanullah Gurbaz.
Gurbaz smashed six fours and five sixes on his way to a 39-ball 64 and top-scored for the Tigers, followed by Iftikhar Ahmed (28) and Hazratullah Zazai (13) while the rest failed to make it into the double figures.
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