In Edgbaston, Birmingham on Friday, in the sixth over of England’s chase of 161, Shoaib Malik bowled to former England keeper Phil Mustard. Mustard stepped out for an aggressive shot, missed, and was well out of his crease. The ball rolled to Akmal, who failed to gather it cleanly, spilling a simple stumping chance—instantly reviving memories of his past glovework struggles.
— Billy Bowden (@billybowdenn) July 18, 2025
Fan reactions were swift and humorous, most of them commenting on the good old days and the nostalgia that Kamran’s old habit brought back.
A user tweeted on X (formerly Twitter), “Felt like I was 14 again watching this, somethings never change ❤️,"
Felt like I was 14 again watching this somethings never change ❤️ https://t.co/skdIVXoaBY
— Murree road Messi (@bklfifa) July 18, 2025
Another tweeted on X (formerly Twitter), on Saturday, “Thanks, Kami bhai for refreshing our memories from the 2010s."
Thanks Kami bhai for refreshing our memories from 2010s https://t.co/a6tasO4NM0
— Omer (@momerk_) July 18, 2025
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Mustard seized his reprieve, eventually scoring 58 off 51 balls. He and Ian Bell added crucial runs, with Bell and captain Eoin Morgan putting together a 48-run stand for the fourth wicket. However, with 16 needed off the final over, they could muster only 10 as Pakistan Champions held on.
The final over was a tight affair: Sohail Khan slammed in two perfect yorkers, conceding just five singles and a wide, sealing Pakistan s win.
Mohammad Hafeez, the Pakistan captain, was awarded Player of the Match for his aggressive 54 off just 34 balls, anchoring Pakistan’s total of 160/9. Aamer Yamin gave the end of the innings a late boost, with a quickfire 27 off 13 balls. Despite Mustard’s 58 and Bell’s unbeaten 51 off 35 balls, England fell agonizingly short in their run chase.
A classic leg-side fumble from Akmal revived whispers of old hauntings—but Pakistan’s unwavering middle order, a fiery cameo from Hafeez, and tight death bowling delivered a five-run win that stole the spotlight in this drama-packed opener.
