Social media slams Pakistan pacer Shaheen Afridi for deliberately bowling wides just before Virat Kohli's century: 'He is a big loser'
India's historic win against Pakistan in the Champions Trophy 2025 is celebrated across the board, amid Pakistan's pacer Shaheen Afridi being called out for deliberately conceding extras to deny Virat Kohli a century. See here.
India's historic win over Pakistan in the Champions Trophy 2025 has left fans celebrating over social media. Chasing a target of 242 runs, the 'King' Virat Kohli remained unbeaten on scoring his 51st ODI century; however, amid this, the 42nd over, bowled by Shaheen Afridi, the Pakistan pacer, has triggered frustration among fans on social media.
As India reached its victory, Kohli was found racing against time to reach his hundred. While the pacer Afridi bowled three wides in four balls, which left fans debating his tactics of deliberately conceding extras to deny Virat Kohli a century.
Shaheed Afridi's wide balls spark debate on social media
Virat Kohli stood out as the star performer scoring runs against Pakistan and completing his 51st ODI and 82nd international century; however, it almost didn't happen.
Kohli was found racing against time to get his century for two major reasons: the first was when Hardik Pandya arrived, he struck two fours in two balls to bring down the runs needed for India. While the second was during the 42nd over, which was bowled by Pakistan pacer Shaheen Afridi.
SHAHEEN AFRIDI BOWLING WIDES.
¡ª Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) February 23, 2025
- Dubai crowd chanting 'loser, loser'. pic.twitter.com/PcWfVj9Haw
When Kohli was batting on his 87th ball, this is when Axar Patel aimed to rotate the strike in Kohli's favour, but that somehow didn't look to be happening as Afridi bowled three wides in four balls. This left the fans frustrated, and many believe that Afridi did it deliberately to deny Kohli's century.
Shaheen strayed in line, followed by an error of judgement from Axar, leading to a stare from Kohli. Following this, the ball flew down the leg side with the captain and wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan getting a hand to it, whereas Axar thought that the ball was rolling towards the boundary, but it didn't.
Reactions of fans on Afridi's wide balls
The incident took over social media, and fans took to X (formerly called Twitter) to express their anger. As one user wrote, "SHAHEEN AFRIDI BOWLING WIDES."
SHAHEEN AFRIDI BOWLING WIDES.
¡ª Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) February 23, 2025
- Dubai crowd chanting 'loser, loser'. pic.twitter.com/PcWfVj9Haw
Another wrote that he is a loser. "Why shami was bowling wides?," one questioned.
Why shami was bowling wides ?
¡ª MS.Saeed (@MS_Saeed95) February 23, 2025
"Looking like he does it intentionally"
Looking like he does it intentionally
¡ª Ramesh singh (@gabru_9008) February 23, 2025
"He tried his best but he couldn't stop him to scoring 100"
He tried his best but he couldn't stop him to scoring 100
¡ª ??? ?? (@abhi7781_) February 23, 2025
"Wides definitely not when king is nearing century."
Wides definitely not when king is nearing century
¡ª Only Option - Trader (@WithOnlyOption) February 23, 2025
"Absolutely, he is a big loser."
Absolutely, he is a big loser.
¡ª Aasif Peerzaada (@APeerzaada98476) February 23, 2025
Poor mentality guy Shaheen Afridi was deliberately bowling wide and bye to stop Virat getting a century but couldn't stop him scoring a ton. Some things are just meant to be!#INDvsPAK #ViratKohli
¡ª Ankit (@2dPointtt) February 23, 2025
To stay updated on the stories that are going viral, follow Indiatimes Trending.
Sneha is a dedicated writer with a passion for storytelling that enthrals and inspires the readers. With a background in Health and Wellness, she brings a unique perspective to every narrative. As a journalist, she aims to find solutions with authenticity and credibility.
Read More