World Cup 2019: Rashid Khan's Expensive Spell Inspires Meme Fest, Cricketers Come To His Rescue

Rashid Khan, once considered as a fearsome spin sensation from Afghanistan, became a subject of mockery for trolls on social media after he conceded 110 runs in nine overs during a World Cup 2019 match against England in Manchester on Tuesday. With this, 20-year-old Rashid Khan became the most expensive bowler in a World Cup match and second most-expensive in One-day International cricket. Making most of the Rashid Khan's misery, England rode on a 148-run knock by their record six-hitter and captain Eoin Morgan to score 397 for six in allotted 50 overs.

In a mammoth chase, Afghanistan managed 247 for eight in 50 overs, thanks to Hashmatullah Shahidi's 76 off 100 balls. They suffered a 150-run loss to England, who reclaimed the top position on the points table.

Within no time, Rashid started receiving flak for such an unwanted record and inspired a meme fast on Twitter.

Rashid Khan vs Eoin Morgan today pic.twitter.com/mNMtzAkb2b

— Essex League Cricketer (@EssexLeague) June 18, 2019

#ENGvAFG #CWC19
Pic1 : Rashid khan in Worldcup
Pic2 : Rashid khan in IPL pic.twitter.com/2XsGbvVpA7

— (@Atomic404) June 18, 2019

Welcome To Lord Dinda Academy Rashid Khan. #ENGvAFG pic.twitter.com/yji9t6Ou60

— Prakash Thakur (@Im_Prakash06) June 18, 2019

Afghanistan Spinner Rashid Khan after conceding 110 runs in 9 overs pic.twitter.com/9VqxR1LiiK

— Civilian of karachi (@civilianofkhi) June 18, 2019

England to Rashid khan #EngvAfg #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/kM5ZCeJDOU

— Mushahid Ahmed (@Sain_Mushahid) June 18, 2019

Who scored a better 100 for England today?

Rashid khan 110(54)
Eoin Morgan 148(71)#CWC19 pic.twitter.com/bG2vroq535

— ZEE. (@iBleedGreenZEE) June 18, 2019

#ENGvAFG
Pic 1: Rashid Khan in IPL
Pic 2: Rashid Khan in Worldcup pic.twitter.com/hnHAt41ebD

— Sarcastic Tweets (@Sarcastic_DNA) June 18, 2019

However, cricketers from all over the world came in defence of the Afghan leg-spinner, asking fans to cool down.

England Test specialist fast bowler Stuart Broad said: "He is a world class bowler & a delight to watch. Everyone has bad days in our sport."

He is a world class bowler & a delight to watch. Everyone has bad days in our sport

— Stuart Broad (@StuartBroad8) June 18, 2019

England all-rounder Luke Wright criticised Iceland Cricket for taking a direct jibe at Rashid. 

Ireland Cricket had tweeted: "We've just heard that Rashid Khan has scored Afghanistan's first century of the #CWC19! Wow! 110 from 56 balls. The most runs ever scored by a bowler in the World Cup or something. Well batted young man. #ENGvAFG #AFGvENG."

We've just heard that Rashid Khan has scored Afghanistan's first century of the #CWC19! Wow! 110 from 56 balls. The most runs ever scored by a bowler in the World Cup or something. Well batted young man. #ENGvAFG #AFGvENG pic.twitter.com/3vklzCeIJt

— Iceland Cricket (@icelandcricket) June 18, 2019

Wright came out in support of Rashid and denounced Iceland Cricket, calling their tweet "rubbish".

"Rubbish tweet. Rather than trying to be funny why not be respectful to someone that has done so much for cricket and especially associate members," Wright tweeted.

Rubbish tweet. Rather than trying to be funny why not be respectful to someone that has done so much for cricket and especially associate members https://t.co/0z3F8KiS82

— Luke Wright (@lukewright204) June 18, 2019

Indian spinner Pragyan Ojha was left in shock with Rashid's treatment over such a wicket at Old Trafford. He said in a tweet: "What on earth is the pitch made of? There should be a balanced competition between the bat and the ball. You feel sad when the balance is disturbed. #RASHIDKHAN's bowling stats in the match is a shocker."

What on earth is the pitch made of? There should be a balanced competition between the bat and the ball. You feel sad when the balance is disturbed. #RASHIDKHAN's bowling stats in the match is a shocker! #ENGvAFG #CWC19

— Pragyan Prayas Ojha (@pragyanojha) June 18, 2019

New Zealand spinner Ish Sodhi and former Australia fast bowler Jason Gillespie also joined in.

Agreed. Setting the bench mark for Leg Spin Bowlers around the world he is... @rashidkhan_19 https://t.co/1lsPXNGjzZ

— Ish Sodhi (@ish_sodhi) June 18, 2019

Lack of respect this.... https://t.co/KLcweDIfiX

— Jason Gillespie (@dizzy259) June 18, 2019

Afghanistan will next face India in World Cup 2019 at The Rose Bowl, Southampton, on Saturday. Virat Kohli-led Indian team has been unbeaten so far in the ICC showpiece event.

Topics mentioned in this article

Afghanistan England Cricket Team Rashid Khan World Cup 2019 Eoin Morgan Cricket England vs Afghanistan, Match 24 Old Trafford, Manchester