A commanding 79-run victory by the Pakistan 'A' team, the Shaheens, over Bangladesh 'A' in the opening match of the Top End T20 Series in Darwin was quickly overshadowed by an act of on-field frustration that has drawn sharp criticism from fans and cricketing circles alike.
While the Shaheens posted an imposing 227 for 4, powered by fluent half-centuries from Yasir Khan, Khawaja Nafe, and Abdul Samad, it was not the batting fireworks that dominated post-match headlines. Instead, attention turned to an unsightly outburst by Nafe, whose moment of anger has reignited debate about sportsmanship and emotional control in high-pressure cricket.
The incident occurred during the 12th over of Pakistan’s innings, with the team well-placed after a 118-run opening stand. On the first ball of the over, Bangladesh pacer Hasan Mahmud delivered a sharp yorker aimed at Nafe’s legs. The batter missed the shot, and the ball deflected off his pads toward the leg side.
Seeing an opportunity, Yasir Khan called for a quick single. Nafe responded instinctively, taking a step down the pitch but Yasir, spotting Bangladesh wicketkeeper Nurul Hasan closing in on the ball, immediately aborted the run and turned back.
Nafe, caught mid-stride, failed to make his ground in time. Sohan, the Bangladesh fielder, swiftly returned the ball to Hasan Mahmud, who dislodged the bails at the non-striker’s end. Nafe was run out, not due to a fielding brilliance, but a miscommunication between partners.
What followed, however, was far more damaging to the spirit of the game.
Furious at the mix-up, Nafe erupted in frustration. He confronted Yasir, shouting at his opening partner before violently hurling his bat to the ground in a fit of rage. The bat bounced dangerously close to the pitch, captured in a now-viral video circulating across social media platforms.
While run-outs due to miscommunication are a common feature of fast-paced T20 cricket, the intensity of Nafe’s reaction stood out, particularly given the developmental nature of the 'A' series, which is designed to prepare young players for international cricket both technically and mentally.
Maybe the two Pakistani openers will talk through their mix up nice and calmly...Or maybe Yasir and Nafay have a different way of communicating #TopEndT20 | Live on 7plus pic.twitter.com/40kLUR2PBA
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) August 14, 2025Former Pakistan cricketers and analysts were quick to respond. “Talent is not enough,” said ex-international batsman Rameez Raja. “At this level, temperament is just as important. A young player must learn to handle pressure without losing composure. Throwing the bat isn’t just dangerous, it’s disrespectful to the game.”
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has yet to issue an official statement.
Bangladesh 'A', despite the loss, were praised for their disciplined bowling performance, with Hasan Mahmud claiming 2-38. Their next challenge comes Saturday against Nepal.
Meanwhile, Pakistan 'A' will look to build on their strong start – but the image of a bat flying across the Darwin turf may linger longer than their scorecard.
Cricket has long prided itself on its values of respect, restraint, and resilience. As emerging players like Nafe step closer to the senior international stage, moments like these serve as stark reminders: talent may open the door, but discipline keeps it open.