Source: Twitter
Premature celebrations in cricket can result in humorous scenes during the game. However, as enjoyable as such moments are for spectators, they may be punishing on players.
As players have discovered the hard way, celebrating early can have a huge impact on a game.
On that point, here are the five funniest ‘Never rejoice too early’ incidents in cricket. Please keep in mind that the list is not in any specific order.
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Mushfiqur Rahim (2016 T20 World Cup):
Mushfiqur Rahim’s early celebration during the ICC World T20 2016 match against India is still a source of pain for the Bangladesh Tigers. Rahim smashed Hardik Pandya for back-to-back fours, reducing the equation to two runs needed in three deliveries. But Pandya performed a magnificent performance, bringing a hat trick of dismissals that turned Rahim’s early delight into a lament as India won by a single run.
Mushfiqur became a Twitter laughingstock as a result of his excessive celebration. It was one of cricket’s most memorable moments. He was also mocked for tweeting a post congratulating the West Indies team on their victory over India in the final.
Herschelle Gibbs (1999 ODI World Cup):
South Africa had one of their most tough situations in cricket during the Super Six stage of the 1999 ICC Cricket World Cup. Herschelle Gibbs dropped a straightforward catch on Australia’s Captain Steven Waugh, who was batting on 56 at the time. Gibbs had previously nailed a remarkable 101 in 134 deliveries.
However, Gibbs made the biggest error of his life when he dropped an easy catch while attempting to throw the ball away in enthusiasm. Even though the catch was made, it was not recognized as being completely under control, which kept Waugh Not Out. The Australian skipper struck a 120* in 110 balls, and the Kangaroos won the match as well as the subsequent final against Pakistan.
Suresh Raina (IPL 2009):
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In 2009, Suresh Raina was on the verge of being the first Indian to smash a century in the IPL. He was too excellent in a game between the Chennai Super Kings and the Rajasthan Royals, scoring 98 runs in 55 balls. Munaf Patel threw him out on 98.
He struck a shot that appeared to go all over for a six when he was on 94. Raina began celebrating thinking it was a six, but the Umpire altered it to a four, reducing his total to 98. But he was out on the following ball, putting an end to what could have been a memorable IPL innings.
Ravichandran Ashwin (Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2019):
The last over celebration of Ravichandran Ashwin in the 2019 edition of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy turned out to be a painful disappointment. It became a classic example of a “never celebrate too early” Cricket moment. Yes, Karnataka eventually managed to edge out Tamil Nadu with a single run. However, the final of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy is notable for reasons other than Karnataka’s incredible victory. Tamil Nadu had 13 runs in the last over to win the coveted Trophy. Ashwin began playing the over by hitting two fours, which swiftly brought in the required runs.
He was a little too emotional after hitting these two boundaries with a fist pump. Now 5 runs needed in 4 balls, and Krishnappa Gowtham bowled a dot ball, which was followed by a single. On the other end, Vijay Shankar attempted to steal two but was stopped by Manish Tiwary. Now, three runs were required in one ball, and Ashwin only managed to take one and lose the game.
Asela Gunaratne (T20I against South Africa in 2017):
Asela Gunaratne erroneously estimated things in a match against South Africa in Cape Town in 2017 and began celebrating Sri Lanka’s Series triumph. However, one more run was required to secure the victory. Sri Lanka needed 11 runs in the last over, and he struck a four on the first ball before taking two singles. When Asela edged the next delivery towards the third man boundary, Lankans needed 5 from 3 balls.
The umpire called it a 4, and the batsman confidently removed the stumps, believing they had won the series. However, his colleague Seekuge Prasanna soon informed him that they still needed to score one run in two balls to win the game and the series. Gunaratne did go on to score the winning run on the following pitch, but the game will long be remembered for his excessive celebration.
Also Read: WTC Final: Who will win the Finals if rain ruins the series? (cricfiles.com)
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