AFG vs SA | Twitter in awe as Rashid's lightning quick instincts tragically end Rickelton's ton

SportsCafe Desk

BySportsCafe Desk,SportsCafe Editor

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For all the love that the global T200 cricket has helped fester in the cricket playing fraternity, all hostilities are renewed with the return of international cricket. Rashid Khan let his MI Cape Town trooper Ryan Rickelton know the same on Friday with an incredible aggressive run out in Karachi.

South Africa executed the ODI template to near perfection against a stringent Afghan bowling attack in their Champions Trophy opener to post a formdiable total of XXX/X on the board. Their effort was anchored by a maiden ODI ton for Ryan Rickelton, the wicket-keeper batter's 106-ball 103 further cementing his standing as a capable replacement of the iconic Quinton de Kock. In fact, the numbers don't even tell the full story, given the 28-year-old was on course for launching his way to a big score until some misfortune on his side and sharp on the spot thinking on Rashid's part cut his stay short.

On the third ball of the 37th over, Rickelton looked to charge after Rashid as he danced down the track but was unable to get to the pitch of the ball and could only nudge it back to the bowler. Rashid wasted no time in quickly gathering the ball and slinging a one-handed throw towards the stumps, prompting Ryan to put in a freakish despairing dive while turning around -- half fearing for his wicket, half for his safety from the waist-high bullet throw. Nevertheless, Rashid ensured his SA20 teammate, where he was captaining MI Cape Town, understood there was no malice behind the throw by walking up to the batter and helping him back to his feet with a smile. 

To Ryan's fortune, the Kookaburra had missed the poles albeit Rahmanullah Gurbaaz did take the bails off and seemed confident about the appeal. Replays showed he had reasons to be as even though Ryan had managed to get his bat across the line, it was raised in the air past the crease, thus resigning him to a long walk back to the pavilion. Ryan was visibly distraught even as the Afghans celebrated in half-jest, with the entire incident bringing Twitterati much joy.

Too good

Fine innings

Anyone else

Superb

Can they

Perfect

Maiden ton

Great  century

Nowhere

No debate

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