Internet Desk: A clash between the two arch-rivals, India and Pakistan is a treat to watch for millions of cricket fans spread all round the globe. The two teams are set to lock horns in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 on June 18.
The defending Champions of this trophy achieved a thumping victory when they defeated fellow rivals Bangladesh by 9 wickets while Pakistan defeated hosts England by 8 wickets to seal their place in the finals.
Although the game is to be enjoyed to the fullest, a meeting between the age old rivals always comprises of certain dramas and controversies. Here’s a look at the top five memorable spats:
When Miandad mimicked More
The 1992 world Cup witnessed a memorable spat when Kiran More annoyed Javed Miandad of Pakistan. The Indian keeper had infuriated Miandad with constant appeals for a dismissal and Miandad who seemingly became disappointed started jumping down up and down the Pitch.
More had appealed for a run out and Miandad after exchanging few words with the keeper was seen jumping up and down as an imitation to More. India however won that game but it was Pakistan who lifted the trophy in Australia.
Harbhajan run-in with Akhtar
The Asia cup 2010 saw another clash when Harbhajan Singh and Shoaib Akhtar exchange heated words in Punjabi which was a local dialect for both when the Indian spinner hit Akhtar for a huge six.
Harbhajan hit the winning six with a ball to spare which ensured wild celebration among the teammates in the dressing room. Harbhajan said the two were often rivals on the pitch, but friends off. “Shoaib once threatened me he would come to my room and beat me. I told him to come, let’s see who beats whom. I was really scared. He is a great hulk,” the Indian said of their relationship last year.
Gambhir, Afridi sledgefest
The fight between Gautam Gambhir and Shahid Afridi is a much remembered fact during 2007. At a ODI match in Kanpur, verbal spats continued after the left handed batsman thrashed the Pakistani all rounder for a boundary.
In the next delivery the two collided when Gambhir was running for a single. Both the players exchanged heated words and it took players from both sides to separate the two. Afridi recalled the spat and claimed that they both wouldn’t be sharing coffee soon.
Prasad’s perfect send-off
Aamer Sohail achieved a quick firing 50 after he targeted the opening bowlers in the 1996 World Cup quarter finals. He reached his 50 after hitting a boundary of Venkatesh Prasad’s ball and mocked Prasad as it to mention him to fetch the ball. He tried to repeat the same trick in the very next ball and was bowled. Prasad hit him back saying Go home, you f****** bastard”.
India however won that game but it was Sri Lanka who was crowned as the champions.
Gambhir’s drinks clash with Akmal
In 2010 a fight ensued between Gautam Gambhir and Pakistani keeper Kamran Akmal at Dambulla during an Asia Cup encounter. The main reason for the spat was Akmal’s confident appeal for a caught behind the wicket which was however waived off by the umpire.
Indian captain MS Dhoni intervened and separated the two to calm down things. Later Gambhir admitted that the events took place in the heat-of-the moment at a TV show.