CENTURION: Former cricketer and commentator Ramiz Raja sparked controversy during the second T20 match between South Africa and Pakistan on Friday after making a baffling remark about pacer Shaheen Afridi.
The incident occurred in the 17th over of the second innings when Afridi was bowling to South Africa's Rassie van der Dussen.
Van der Dussen hit a powerful shot straight back at Afridi, who attempted to evade the ball but was struck between the shoulder and chin.
Fortunately, the 24-year-old managed to avoid serious injury, receiving treatment from the team physio before continuing to bowl out his over.
However, it was Ramiz Raja's commentary that raised eyebrows among viewers.
As the ball narrowly missed Afridi's face, Raja remarked, "Just missed his face, not sure if it's a good thing or not," a statement that quickly became the subject of widespread criticism.
Many viewers were left perplexed by the comment, questioning why Raja would express uncertainty about the potential positive outcome of the ball missing Afridi’s face.
"What kind of statement is that?" fans said.
"Ramiz, you don't know if it's a good thing it missed his face? What are you going on about, man!! Shaheen Afridi was very lucky right there," another fan stated.
Opting to bat first, Pakistan posted a competitive 206/5 in their 20 overs, thanks to an unbeaten knock by Saim Ayub.
The left-hander dazzled with an unbeaten 57-ball 98, laced with 11 boundaries and five sixes.
He formed a crucial 73-run partnership with Muhammad Irfan Khan, who chipped in with a 16-ball 30.
Irfan’s dismissal in the final over saw Abbas Afridi add a quickfire 11 off four balls before Pakistan's innings concluded, leaving Saim stranded two runs short of a well-deserved century.
In reply, South Africa chased down the target in 19.3 overs, powered by Reeza Hendricks' magnificent 117 off 63 balls, which included seven boundaries and 10 sixes.
Reeza was ably supported by Rassie van der Dussen in a 157-run stand for the third wicket.
Van der Dussen remained unbeaten on 59 off 39 balls and sealed the victory with a six off Abbas Afridi in the final over.
South Africa currently lead the three-match T20I series 2-0, with the final game scheduled to take place in Johannesburg today.
- Shaheen Afridi
- Ramiz Raja
