Darren Sammy could not win the match for World XI but managed to win hearts all over the world, especially in Pakistan. The incident which made that a reality happened in the final over of the first T20I of the Independence Cup 2017 at Gadaffi Stadium, Lahore. World XI needed 34 runs off the last over and Sammy was on strike. Pakistan skipper gave Hasan Ali the final over of the match. Sammy got the over to a perfect start by hitting a maximum over backward square leg.
With 28 runs needed Sammy had no other option but go for the big shots and that’s what he tried to do.But Ali came up with a perfect yorker that swung late. Sammy managed to dig that one out of the crease but ended up falling on the ground. Sammy did not act in anger but clapped in admiration of the perfect yorker Ali had bowled to seal the match.
Sammy was smiling as he clapped for Ali. The Pakistan bowler walked up to Sammy and helped him back on his feet. The commentators lauded for the sportsman spirit of both Sammy and Ali in a game which aims to bring cricket back to Pakistan.
But Sammy’s gesture won hearts of Twitterati as they praised him and also dubbed it as the moment of the match. Sammy has fans in Pakistan as he plays in Pakistan Super League (PSL) for Peshawar Zalmi who also won the tournament this year. Sammy even came to Pakistan while others refused to play the PSL final at the same stadium in Lahore.
Hassan Ali vs Darren Sammy Brilliant Yorker https://t.co/S90oVToqz9
— Asim Ali (@AsimAli71479306) September 12, 2017
Here are a few reactions to the heartwarming incident-
#Agree ?#DarrenSammy @darensammy88 #PAKvWXI #WXIvPAK #CricketComesHome #CricketKiHalalala pic.twitter.com/paZBtbXqIN
— Ali Hafeez (@itsme_aJm) September 12, 2017
#PAKvsWorldXI
This is why we love darren sammy pic.twitter.com/YuwcwbAKPh— Faheem Saeed (@faheemsaeed44) September 12, 2017
YORKER by Hassan Ali made ( Zalmi team mate) Darren Sammy fall & clap .Cricket Spirit at it’s BEST pic.twitter.com/0NnLNM4mXy
— Mishi Malik (@Mishi827) September 12, 2017
Darren Sammy Appreciates Hasan Ali’s yorker, beauty of cricket.
Sab Mil Kr #PakistanZindabad Bolo.
Pak Won & Terrorism lost.#PAKvsWorldXI pic.twitter.com/4veM5y3duo— Sajid Khan Afridi (@SajidKhanAfd) September 12, 2017
Made my Day #DarrenSammy You are Love bhai #PAKvsWorldXI #CricketComesHome #CricketKiHalalala pic.twitter.com/9WWaFoK2Et
— ZAK (@ZaadaKhan) September 12, 2017
Moment of the game @darrensammy88 stealing the show again #CricketKiHalalala #PAKvWXI pic.twitter.com/TjYrmdmMbJ
— #CricketKiHalalala (@FreddieFaizan) September 12, 2017
I simply love this man @darrensammy88 pic.twitter.com/qssdcKEOfy
— Mustafa (@Notmustu) September 12, 2017
Congrats Pakistan for winning first match of series. For me, moment of the match, @darrensammy88 acknowledging super ball from Hasan Ali. pic.twitter.com/x9UrxCSrHL
— Junaid Akhtar (@junaidashaikh) September 12, 2017
What a yorker
Darren sammy clapping for Hassan Ali #PAKvWXI #CricketKiHalalala #CricketComesHome pic.twitter.com/YXU3Km0GTV— Ali Hafeez (@itsme_aJm) September 12, 2017
This appreciation from @darensammy88 to the bowler is the best example of sportsmanship !!#PAKvsWorldXI #DarrenSammy pic.twitter.com/MPQ0ELLsTP
— Aakash Lalka (@AakashLalka) September 12, 2017
Sammy could not do more damage with the bat as the required rate was way beyond the reach. Sammy scored a boundary off the last ball of the match as Pakistan won by 20 runs in the series opener.
