Pakistan fast bowler Asad Akhtar came under the spotlight after bowling a massive no-ball in the National T20 Cup. On Saturday, March 14, the right-arm pacer conceded 21 runs in the only over he bowled for Karachi Blues against Lahore Blues at the Imran Khan Cricket Stadium in Peshawar.
Akhtar sent down two wides and two no-balls in the over, but it was one delivery in particular that grabbed the headlines. His front foot was nowhere near the bowling crease – in fact, his back foot appeared closer to the line than his front.
The delivery quickly drew comparisons from fans to Mohammad Amir’s infamous no-ball against England during the 2010 spot-fixing scandal at Lord’s. However, if the two deliveries are compared, Akhtar’s no-ball appeared even bigger than the one Amir bowled.
Akhtar is still inexperienced at the top level, having made his debut only earlier this year. In five T20 matches so far, he has taken three wickets at an economy rate of 9.14.
In the ongoing National T20 Cup, he has managed just one wicket in two matches, while conceding runs at an economy rate of 11.25.
DID ASAD AKHTAR’S OVER COST KARACHI?
Akhtar’s expensive over ultimately did not hurt Karachi Blues, who still cruised to a 57-run win on Saturday. Jahandad Khan and Shahnawaz Dahani starred with four wickets apiece as Karachi bowled Lahore Blues out for 149 in 17.3 overs while defending 206.
Earlier, after being asked to bat first, Karachi Blues posted 206 for three. Saad Baig led the charge with an unbeaten 72 off 37 balls, striking seven fours and four sixes. He was well supported by Ahsan Ali, Shah Raza Naqvi and Usman Rahim, who chipped in with 39, 30 and 33 respectively.
Jahandad and Dahani then sealed the win with the ball, helping Karachi Blues climb to fourth in Group B with four points and a net run rate of -0.126.
