Cricket World Cup 2023: After praising Ben Stokes for his 108 against the Netherlands in Pune on Wednesday, former Pakistani batsman Mohammad Hafeez made a subtle jab at Virat Kohli. On Sunday, Hafeez had called Virat Kohli’s 49th ODI century a “selfish” play.
Image source : Sky sports.
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Kholi’s 49th century matches Tendulkar’s record :
Michael Vaughan, the former captain of England, appears to have worked out why Mohammad Hafeez is always so critical of Virat Kohli. While Kohli is having a field day at the One Day International (ODI) World Cup, which is being hosted by India, the two-time champion team, former Pakistan captain Hafeez has attacked the team’s talisman batter with some offensive remarks. Hafeez most recently charged that during the ODI World Cup, Kohli was aiming for personal bests instead of his team’s interest.
In India’s pivotal World Cup match against South Africa, Kohli gave himself a century to tie Sachin Tendulkar’s record at Eden Gardens. Team India defeated the Proteas with a match-winning total thanks to Kohli’s 49th century. Rather than giving Kohli credit for India’s convincing victory, Hafeez claimed to have noticed a “sense of selfishness” in the master batsman’s masterwork. On the same Pakistani talk show, Hafeez’s former teammate Wahab Riaz refuted his dubious remarks.
Hafeez is ridiculed by Vaughan for his Kohli comment.
After seeing a video of Hafeez on social media, England’s Vaughan decided to respond harshly to the former all-rounder from Pakistan for what he called “nonsense” in response to Kohli’s pivotal criticism. Get moving, @MHafeez22! India is dominating eight teams while playing fantastic cricket. @imVkohli. has 49 tons at this point, and his most recent was an anchor role inning on a challenging pitch. His team triumphed by more than 200 points! This is absurdity personified.” Vaughan sent out a tweet.
Hafeez calls Virat Kholi century : Selfish ; While Ben Stokes’ Selfless :
Following Ben Stokes’ first-ever World Cup century, which helped England defeat the Netherlands and win the game desperately, Hafeez tagged Vaughan on Wednesday. England defeated Netherlands by 160 runs after five consecutive losses thanks to a century-plus innings from Stokes (108 off 84 balls).
The ship’s savior, @benstokes38. An impressive century under duress, guiding the innings when needed and aiming aggressively to score the most runs possible to ensure the team’s victory at the conclusion. Hafeez wrote, “Excellent illustration of the difference between the self-centered and selfless approaches @MichaelVaughan.
Vaughan acknowledged Stokes’ outstanding innings, but maintained his opinion of Kohli :
Image source : x (Twitter)
“Stokesy @MHafeez22 had a fantastic innings. At the ICC World Cup, Hafeez praised Stokes for his outstanding century against the Netherlands. “As was Virats on a challenging pitch in Kolkata against a better attack,” Vaughan remarked. In an unrelated post, Vaughan remembered one of Kohli’s less well-known dismissals—of Hafeez—during a memorable India-Pakistan match. It looks like @imVkohli bowled you, @MHafeez22! Vaughan, trolling Hafeez to cause a stir on social media asked, “Is this the reason you constantly have a pop at him? #CWC2023 #India #Pakistan.”
Image source : x (Twitter)
With 543 runs in 8 matches, Kohli is India’s top run scorer going into the 2023 World Cup. India has completed an eight-match winning streak, which guarantees them the top spot in the points table.
