Despite being overlooked for both the 2023 ODI World Cup and the T20 World Cup in New York, Abrar made his mark in the IND vs PAK Champions Trophy match with a controlled spell, taking 1-28 in his ten overs. His tight bowling kept Kohli on the leash, forcing the Indian maestro to earn his runs the hard way. Abrar’s efforts also saw him dismiss Shubman Gill during the game.
“My childhood dream of bowling to Kohli has come true in Dubai,” Abrar told Telecom Asia Sport. “It was a great challenge, and I took the liberty of teasing him, asking him to hit me a six, but he never got angry. Kohli is a great batter; we all know that. But he is a great human being too.”
He said, ‘well bowled’ after the match, and that made my day,” he added. “I have grown up idolizing Kohli and used to tell under-19 players that one day I will bowl to him.”
I’m Sorry: Abrar Ahmed on his famous celebration
Abrar delivered a stunning ball to dismiss Shubman Gill, causing the Indian opener’s stumps to be rattled by a sharply turning delivery. His celebratory flick of the eyes, a gesture that went viral, sparked some controversy, but Abrar downplayed it.
“That’s my style and I see nothing wrong with it. No official told me that I did anything wrong, but if it hurt anyone, I am sorry for that. It was not my intention to hurt anyone,” said the spinner.
The tournament ended in disappointment for Pakistan, as they were among the first teams, alongside Bangladesh, to be knocked out in the group stage.
