- Shamser Khalid
Pakistan’s Hassan Ali Makes Most Of Rain Delay in Test
Rain delays can often dampen the spirits of players and fans alike during cricket matches, but on Day 2 of the second Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in Colombo, it didn't seem to bother the Pakistan star Hassan Ali as he makes the most of the rain delay during the Test match.
Hassan Ali found himself excluded from the playing XI in this specific match. However, when the rain began to pour and the covers were brought out to shield the pitch, he didn't let disappointment get to him. Rather than moping around or seeking shelter, Hassan Ali chose to make the best of the situation and decided to have some fun.
In a video that quickly went viral on social media, Ali was seen frolicking on the water-logged ground. He took charge of the blue tarp covers and started flapping them around, almost like a makeshift cape. The ground staff and some of his teammates joined in on the fun, making the best of a wet and dreary day in the Sri Lankan capital.
But Hassan Ali's antics didn't stop there. He decided to take things to the next level and crawled under the tarp, covering himself with the grass underneath. He emerged from beneath the cover, smiling mischievously, and proceeded to slide along the wet surface on his stomach, much to the amusement of everyone present. He slid a considerable distance before striking a playful pose for his cheering teammates.
It's not often that you see a professional cricketer enjoying himself so freely during a rain delay, especially when he's not even part of the playing XI. But this lighthearted moment showcased the camaraderie and spirit that exists within the Pakistani cricket team, even when the chips are down due to the weather.
While Hassan Ali was having fun off the field, the players on the field were keen on making the most of whatever play was possible. Pakistan's Abdullah Shafique and skipper Babar Azam were in the midst of a solid partnership when the rain interrupted their progress. Resuming their innings under gloomy skies, they batted confidently and put Pakistan in a position of strength.
Abdullah Shafique, in particular, displayed an array of attacking strokes, smashing eight fours and two sixes during his 131-ball stay at the crease. Babar Azam, the captain, supported him well and contributed with a six and two fours before play was interrupted.
Despite the rain disruptions, Pakistan was able to secure a 12-run lead before the day's play was called off. With more rain predicted for day three, the Pakistani team knew they would have to adopt an aggressive approach to seal the series, having already taken a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.
Hassan Ali, who missed out on the Test XI, had previously impressed in the tour match against the Sri Lanka Cricket President's XI, where he picked up three wickets in seven overs in the first innings. His performance in that match showed his readiness to make a comeback into the Pakistan setup, and this rain delay fun could only add to the team's camaraderie and positive atmosphere.
Looking ahead, Pakistan's decision to go with two frontline pacers, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah, for both Tests, seemed to be paying off. Their bowlers had combined to dismiss Sri Lanka in the second session on the opening day of the match, putting them on the back foot early on.
