WATCH | Darren Sammy shows great sportsmanship after being knocked down by Hasan Ali's yorker

After an eight-year gap, international cricket finally visited Pakistan again through the Independence Cup which where the hosts were taking on the World XI. The first T20 match of the series made headlines not just because it was a revival of international cricket on Pakistan soil but also thanks to a great moment between Darren Sammy and Hasan Ali. The Faf du Plessis led World XI lost the opening match but Sammy’s gesture won the hearts of millions of fans across the world.

The incident occurred in the last over of the game when World XI needed 34 runs in the six deliveries. Pakistan’s skipper Sarfraz Ahmed handed the ball to Hasan Ali. Sammy was on the strike and sent the first ball for maximum. With 28 needed off 5 balls the game was still alive - albeit barely. Ali followed up the six with a perfect yorker. Sammy knowing that he needed to attack the ball, tried to slog it but the ball caught the inside edge, leaving him flat on his back.

It took the West Indies player a second to realize what had happened but to everyone's surprise, he just stayed there and applauded the bowler who had gotten the better of him. Ali, in the meantime, had reached the ball and picked it up and on seeing Sammy's reaction, the Pakistan player gave his opponent his hand to help him get back to his feet.

With two more matches left in the series, World XI team still have a chance to level the series and keep interest alive for the final match.