NEW DELHI: The clash between Shoaib Akhtar and Harbhajan Singh during the 2010 Asia Cup became memorable due to an intense moment between the two players. In the India vs Pakistan match, Harbhajan hit a crucial six off Shoaib Akhtar in the final overs, which played a key role in India's victory.
The tension began when Shoaib bowled a bouncer, followed by an exchange of words between the two. Later, Harbhajan got his revenge by smashing Mohammad Amir for a six in the 50th over, helping India chase down Pakistan's total of 267 and win a thrilling match by three wickets.
Harbhajan struck the ball with the middle of his bat, sending it soaring over the midwicket boundary. Upon realizing he had made clean contact, he let out a mighty roar and removed his helmet, his gaze fixed on Shoaib, who was positioned at third man.
Shoaib, in response, made a V sign with his fingers and turned his head, averting his eyes from the triumphant Harbhajan.
The two stars reminisced about their on-field clash from their playing days when they reunited during the Legends League Cricket Masters last year.
Akhtar first mentioned the sixes he hit off Harbhajan during the Faisalabad Test; in response, the off-spinner noted that while he didn't sledge Akhtar after those sixes, the fast bowler became furious when he found himself on the receiving end of Harbhajan's assault a few years later.
"He was bowling so good in Faisalabad, then I hit him for two sixes!" Akhtar kicked things off by reminiscing about their past duels.
"I didn't say anything to you when you hit those two sixes. But when I hit a six against you, you said so many things!" Harbhajan responded.
"Should I tell everyone what you said? You actually started it," Akhtar hit back at the Indian spinner, to which Harbhajan had a blunt response: "I didn't start. He just got angry, how can he hit a six against me!"
Akhtar then playfully hit Harbhajan, to which the Indian star humorously responded, "When he can't win with words, he starts hitting people."
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