NEW DELHI: Pakistan once again found themselves in an uncomfortable spotlight in the Big Bash League. Just a day after Mohammad Rizwan’s unusual “retired out” moment, Hasan Ali added to the embarrassment with a poor piece of fielding on Tuesday.The incident happened during the match between Melbourne Stars and Adelaide Strikers, with the Stars were chasing a small target of 84 runs. They were 35 for 2 in the eighth over. Tabraiz Shamsi was bowling. The fifth ball was pushed towards the cover region.
Hasan Ali ran in to stop the ball before it reached the boundary. However, he misjudged it badly. And despite him giving his all till the last moment, the ball slipped past and crossed the rope. The third umpire later confirmed it was a boundary. The moment quickly went viral, with social media accounts of both Fox Sports and Big Bash League sharing the video.This came just one day after another awkward episode involving a Pakistan player. On Monday, Mohammad Rizwan was retired out during a Big Bash League match between Sydney Thunder and Melbourne Renegades. Rizwan struggled to score quickly near the end of the innings. He made 26 runs off 23 balls. His knock included two fours and one six.Failing to add momentum, Rizwan was called back by the Renegades. Captain Will Sutherland replaced him at the crease. Rizwan became the first overseas player in BBL history to be retired out.On Tuesday, the match itself was a one-sided affair. Tom Curran produced a career-best bowling performance to help Melbourne Stars crush Adelaide Strikers. The Strikers were bowled out for just 83 runs in 19.3 overs.Curran’s spell with the new ball caused early damage. The Strikers were reduced to 21 for 4 by the end of the powerplay. A small partnership between Jamie Overton and Liam Scott briefly lifted the score near 40. The collapse soon followed.Chasing 84, the Stars lost early wickets. Sam Harper made nine. Campbell Kellaway was dismissed for a duck. Thomas Rogers steadied the chase. He top-scored with 32 off 40 balls. Blake Macdonald supported him with a useful stand.The Stars reached the target in 15.1 overs. Marcus Stoinis made 23 off 20 balls before retiring hurt. Liam Scott took two wickets for the Strikers.Tom Curran was named Player of the Match. He took four wickets for just 10 runs. Mitchell Swepson also impressed with three wickets.
