Australia all-rounder Shane Watson praised Pakistan fast bowler Wahab Riaz’s fiery spell at the World Cup quarter-final on Friday, saying that he was ‘very lucky to have come out unscathed’.
Both the players were fined for ‘overstepping the mark’, Riaz was fined 50 percent of his match fee for "using language or a gesture that is obscene, offensive or insulting”, while Shane Watson was fined 15 percent of his fee for the charge of "conduct contrary to the spirit of the game”.
In was a spirited contest that almost turned the game in Pakistan’s favour, Riaz peppered Shane Watson with a barrage of out-swingers and short deliveries, goading him into a false shot when batting at four. Having lost three wickets for 84 runs, Australia was on the backfoot, and had almost lost their fourth wicket. Rahat Ali dropped a sitter, and Watson went on to make 64 not out Australia’s 214 run chase, which they won by 6 wickets and 97 balls.
It was a good battle on the feild. U played well. @ShaneRWatson33 . Wishing u best of luck for the semi's . #Respect
— Wahab Riaz (@WahabViki) March 22, 2015
Watson and Riaz complimented each other on Twitter yesterday, with Riaz wishing the all rounder best of luck for the semis.
Reflecting on ICC's decision, former West Indies batsman Brian Lara said that the fine was ridiculous, and offered to pay the fine on behalf of Riaz. According to Lara, the duel made for great entertainment, and the players behaviour was above the board.
(With Agency Inputs)
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