Ugly clash between Pakistan, Afghanistan players

An ugly confrontation between Asif Ali(R) and Fareed Ahmad

By Shanuka Aravinda reporting from Dubai

The wicket of Asif Ali, during the Asia Cup Super 4 match between Pakistan and Afghanistan on Wednesday triggered an ugly confrontation between Asif Ali and Fareed Ahmad.

Chasing a target of 130, Ali was the ninth wicket Pakistan lost, in the 18th over bolwed by Ahmad, caught by Karim Janat at short fine leg.

Celebrating the wicket, the bowler came up close to Asif, which drew a response from the dismissed batsman, who pushed Fareed back and almost swung his bat at him.

Afghanistan players including Azmatullah Omarzai were quick to try and defuse the situation, but it appeared to also trigger clashes among spectators inside the stadium, where seats were removed and flung at each other, and outside.

Pakistan’s last batsman Naseem Shah, who hit back to back sixes off the first two balls of the final over to take Pakistan to victory, celebrated the win rather aggressively throwing away his helmet and flinging his gloves.  
Ali later uploaded a video on social media apologizing to Fareed and the Afghanistan team, saying Fareed’s celebration had provoked him.