Indian pacer Arshdeep Singh dropping Asif Ali at a crucial juncture, turned out to be the turning point of the Super Four match against Pakistan in the ongoing Aisa Cup 2022 on Sunday (September 4) at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
In the 18th over of Pakistan's innings, Arshdeep dropped Asif, and he went on to make the most of the lifeline by smashing two fours and one six to completely turn the match in favor of Pakistan against India. However, the young Punjab bowler bowled his heart out in the final over and dismissed Asif, but there were not enough runs to defend, as Pakistan won the match by 5 wickets on Sunday.
Arshdeep would obviously be disappointed with the mishap, and many fans reacted harshly with some trolls going to the extent of vile abuse, but Punjab Sports Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer came out in support of the pacer and said that the whole of Punjab and India is proud of him and mentioned how superbly he bowled in the final over.
Notably, Arshdeep’s mother Baljit Kaur, and father Darshan Singh are also in the UAE to watch their son play in the ongoing Asia Cup 2022. Speaking on the dropped catch, the proud mother said that the entire Indian cricket team is with the pacer and he will respond to his critics with his performance.
As reported by Indian Express, Arshdeep’s mother told Punjab Sports Minister over the phone: “When we sat with him after the match, Arshdeep told us not to worry and he will give his best as always. The whole Indian team has supported him and he will answer the critics with his performance.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer said to Arshdeep's mother: “You all should be in high spirits. The whole of Punjab as well as India stands with Arshdeep today. People, who have not played cricket ever, are making such comments. Arshdeep carried the hopes of 140 crore Indians and it’s a big thing for a 24-year-old youngster. The captain showed faith over Arshdeep for bowling the last over and that speaks of Arshdeep’s talent.”
He added, “A lot of people fail to see the hard work done by the players to play for India. Arshdeep bowled the last over superbly. When Arshdeep will come after winning the Asia Cup, I will accompany you to welcome him at the airport. Please tell Arshdeep to concentrate on the rest of the matches and he is an inspiration for the youth. We have seen players like Sachin Tendulkar too not scoring runs in some matches and things like these happen in sports.”
(The Indian Express inputs)
