Watch | Anrich Nortje's fiery pace rattles Gurbaz’s off-stump and leaves Hetmyer frustrated

ByDebayan Sinha, SportsCafe Editor

09/05/2024

Partnerships are vital in any form of cricket, and it can be disheartening for a player when their partner falls at a critical moment. Such was the case in the Caribbean Premier League match between St Kitts and Guyana, where Rahmanullah Gurbaz's dismissal left Shimron Hetmyer visibly frustrated.

‌Guyana Amazon Warriors started steadily with openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Kevin Sinclair taking the score to 17/0 after two overs. However, the quick dismissals of Sinclair and Shai Hope put Guyana on the back foot. It was then that Shimron Hetmyer and Gurbaz took charge from the seventh over, igniting Guyana’s innings with aggressive stroke play. The pair formed a commanding 116-run partnership, propelling the score to 152/2 by the 13th over. Unfortunately, the partnership was broken when a brilliant delivery from Anrich Nortje dismissed the Afghan opener.

On the fourth ball of the 14th over, Nortje delivered a full-length ball aimed at the off-stump. Misjudging the line, Gurbaz had shifted to the leg side and attempted a big hit but missed entirely. The ball crashed into the off-stump, sending it cartwheeling. As Gurbaz walked off the field visibly disappointed, Hetmyer at the other end showed his frustration, looking up at the sky as he processed the sting of losing such a crucial 116-run stand.

What a ball!