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Updated 14 Jun, 2019

After the Pakistani cricket team battled it out with Australia yesterday one memorable moment stood out: a cricket fan captured in the stands looking utterly disappointed as Asif Ali dropped a fairly easy catch.

The disappointed man quickly became fodder for a meme that went viral. People on social media used it to express their disappointment for everything from cricket to politics:

Near the end of the game ICC commentator Zainab Abbas did what most of us wanted to do - she found out who this viral fan is. His name is Mohammad Akhtar, and in his interview with Abbas he said: "It was such a straightforward catch so it was really disappointing to see it in front of me being dropped."

Of the moment that spawned his internet fame, he said: "Probably it showed on my face. Because I could see it land on his hand and then he dropped it. So it was really disappointing. But I couldn't say anything. He [Asif Ali] had just come off a family tragedy so I couldn't shout at him."

Akhtar was referring to Asif Ali losing his young daughter to cancer before the World Cup began.

According to Akhtar he lives in London and had travelled over three hours to watch the match with his friends. In the interview he introduced his friends and offered more of his opinions on the match.

Comments

Optimistic PK Jun 13, 2019 11:10pm
Camera man deserves the appreciation too
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Iftikhar Yusoof Jun 14, 2019 01:01am
Irresponsible people why did you have him play - no excuse for him or for the management. iftikhar
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hanifsmile Jun 14, 2019 01:29am
I am sorry that Asif Ali lost his daughter, sad, but he doesn't fit in Pakistan Squad, someone else should get the chance. No Batting performance, he doesn't bowl, and not a good fielder, why is he in the team just because of PSL. not enough.
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Laila Jun 14, 2019 02:05am
Awwww leave the man alone. Let him be.
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Ali (CA) Jun 14, 2019 03:45am
Asif Ali seems to have good connection to be in the team.
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Manzoor Jun 14, 2019 05:57am
Pakistan,s fans sometimes expect more than their team,s ability.Interestingly this expectation created by the team itself from it,s unpredictable nature.That,s why followers hope and despair oftenly by the team,s inconsistent performance.
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Ga Jun 14, 2019 07:42am
Hats off to Mr. Akhter for having the presence of mind not to dis Asif coming off a family tragedy
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Zeeshan Jun 14, 2019 09:41am
Zainab Abbas is not an ICC commentator, so correct it please.
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Chandra Jun 14, 2019 10:10am
No excuses please. In every profession private affairs don't matter. If you are are not comfortable, leave it.
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pakistan Jun 14, 2019 10:34am
@Zeeshan Then who is she
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CHITTARANJAN Jun 15, 2019 10:42am
@Iftikhar Yusoof One dropped catch and he should not play? Come on
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Falak sher Jun 15, 2019 11:50am
Malala the great
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Falak sher Jun 15, 2019 11:50am
Malala pride of Pakistan
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Syed Nazim Jun 17, 2019 08:33pm
After the great tragedy, Asif should not agreed to play in England and Pakistan selector should have realized immolation condition of the player. He must continue his interest in cricket and show his worth in the coming season.
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