Naveen-ul-Haq Teases Gulbadin Naib Over 'Fake Injury' In T20 World Cup
Afghanistan's path to the T20 World Cup 2024 semi-finals was highlighted by a thrilling win over Bangladesh and a memorable moment from Gulbadin Naib. His playful theatrics added an unexpected twist to the crucial match.
During the 12th over of Bangladesh's chase, with rain threatening to halt play, Naib dramatically fell to the ground, clutching his hamstring. The Afghan team, guided by coach Jonathan Trott, had been advised to delay play due to their slim lead under the DLS method.

Naib's impromptu performance bought them valuable minutes as rain briefly interrupted the game. After the weather break, he returned to the field and took a crucial wicket, further tipping the balance in Afghanistan's favour.
The exaggerated injury became a humorous highlight of the match as Afghanistan successfully defended their total. For Naib, it marked a memorable chapter in his cricket career where a fake injury played an unexpected role in their victory.
Social media quickly reacted to Gulbadin Naib's theatrical display, making him an overnight internet sensation. Among those joining in on the fun was his teammate Naveen-ul-Haq, who shared a popular meme on Instagram poking fun at Naib. Watch the post below:
View this post on Instagramdiv > div > div > div > div > div > div > div >A post shared by Naveen ul haq Murid (@naveen_ul_haq)
The meme showing Naib's dramatic fall with a humorous caption resonated widely among fans and players alike. It underscored not only the tension of the match but also the camaraderie within the Afghan squad.
Captain Rashid Khan, Ibrahim Zadran, and Mohammad Nabi joined in with laughing emojis and supportive comments. They celebrated not just their victory but also their team's spirit.
This incident highlighted both Naib's sense of humour and strategic thinking during a tense moment in the game. It became an unforgettable part of Afghanistan's journey in this T20 World Cup.
Story first published: Tuesday, June 25, 2024, 21:51 [GST]