Wanindu Hasaranga Mocks Back Abrar Ahmed: In the high‑pressure build of Asia Cup 2025 Super Four, Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed once again found himself in the eye of storm for celebrating a wicket in a way that many called petty but this time, Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga gave as good as he got.
The spark was simple. During the match in Abu Dhabi, Abrar clean‑bowled Hasaranga with a sharp googly in the 13th over. Instead of a usual celebration, Abrar copied Hasaranga’s own signature “cell‑phone style” celebration – the same move the Lankan all‑rounder has used in the past. The gesture instantly went viral. Fans on social media reacted with laughter, critics with scorn.
But Hasaranga didn’t stay silent. Not one to let it slide, after later dismissing Pakistan batter Saim Ayub, Hasaranga used his neck celebration
Wanindu Hasaranga celebration. 🔥pic.twitter.com/5gD6Z9RzT4
---Advertisement---— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) September 23, 2025
Wanindu Hasaranga Mocking Abrar Ahmed 😅 pic.twitter.com/rRzuBOGXjn
— Richard Kettleborough (@RichKettle07) September 23, 2025
Bowled Over, Not Beaten | PAK vs SL Asia Cup 2025
Statistically speaking, Pakistan’s bowlers had a good day. After winning the toss, skipper Salman Ali Agha chose to bowl first. The decision paid off. Sri Lanka was bundled out for 133/8 in 20 overs. Shaheen Shah Afridi was the main destroyer, taking 3 wickets for 28 runs in 4 overs. Abrar Ahmed himself was superb, finishing with 1/8 in 4 overs. Haris Rauf and Hussain Talat chipped in with 2 wickets each.
Drama Beyond the Scorebook
The entire episode highlights something bigger: in modern cricket, raw skill is just one part of the show. Attitude, reactions, and psychological jabs matter too. Abrar’s mimicry, and Hasaranga’s comeback, show how players use celebrations not just for joy, but as statements – performed in front of thousands, broadcast across the world.
Whether fans see Abrar’s mimicry as homage, provocation, or poor taste, this game has added another chapter in the signature battle of swagger between players. What remains to be seen is whether these moments distract from the game or fuel them.
Also Read: Why Shreyas Iyer stepped away from red-ball cricket despite leading India A – Here’s the real reason
