Veteran Pakistan batsman Misbah-ul-Haq sustained an injury while batting in the match between India and Pakistan champions in the 2024 World Championship of Legends final in Birmingham on Saturday and was forced to leave after scoring 18 off 15. But in a classy gesture from Robin Uthappa, the former India international came to the Pakistan champions’ aid as the former player limped off the field.
The incident took place in the top of Pakistan’s 17th innings when Misbah had hurt his leg and was clearly in pain. In a moment of great sportsmanship, Uthappa gave up his wicketkeeping duties to help Misbah off the field, lending him his shoulder. This incredible act during a tense match in Birmingham quickly went viral on social media and Uthappa won the hearts of fans.
Official broadcaster Fancode later shared footage of the moment in Birmingham, captioning it: “Spirit of cricket.”
In the WCL 2024 final, Pakistan opted to bat first at a venue favourable to chasing teams. Shoaib Malik top-scored for Pakistan Champions with 41 off 36, while Sohail Tanvir’s 19 off 9 led his team to 156 for 6. Anureet Singh stood out among the bowlers for India Champions with 3 wickets for 43 runs, while Irfan Pathan, Pawan Negi and Vinay Kumar each picked up one wicket.
In reply, Ambati Rayudu laid the foundations for the perfect chase with a blistering half-century before Yusuf Pathan’s enterprising cameo helped India reach the target with five balls remaining.
The win also helped the Indian champions avenge their group stage defeat to arch rivals Pakistan after a blistering performance from Pakistan’s top order – Kamran Akmal, Sharjeel Khan and Shoaib Maqsood – who each scored fifties, helped the team to a thumping 68-run victory at the same venue last week.
