In the ongoing Caribbean Premier League (CPL 2024), veteran leg spinner Imran Tahir not only led the Guyana Amazon Warriors to victory but also brought a touch of football flair to the cricket field.
Tahir’s respect for football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic “Siuuu” celebration drew attention from fans.
The seventh match of CPL 2024 took place at Warner Park in St. Kitts, pitting the Guyana Amazon Warriors against the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots. The high-scoring match saw the Warriors post a total of 266/7 in their 20 overs.
The Warriors’ innings were propelled by knocks from Rahmanullah Gurbaz (69 off 37) and Shimron Hetmyer (91 off 39). However, it was during the Patriots’ chase that Tahir performed the iconic celebration. Despite conceding 48 runs in his four overs, the 45-year-old spinner claimed three crucial wickets, including a game-changing double-wicket maiden.
In the second delivery of the ninth over, Imran Tahir bowled Josh Clarkson and was overjoyed with the breakthrough and then went on to mimic the footballer’s signature “Siuuu” celebration.
Check out the viral Tahir moment here:
— Cricket Cricket (@cricket543210) September 5, 2024
My son is a big Ronaldo fan: Imran Tahir
The spinner had earlier revealed why he had been doing this celebration. He surprisingly had said that it was unnatural for him to pull out the celebration instead of his customary dashing on the field. Besides, he did not shy away from admitting his son was a big fan of the star Portugal footballer. Hence the celebration was an attempt to his love for his son.
“He is a big fan of Ronaldo and he wants me to do it. I have been doing this for him, and it’s just something not natural for me,” Tahir told Daily Star.
The match ultimately ended with the Guyana Amazon Warriors securing a 40-run victory. The Patriots, despite a strong start, were bowled out for 226 in the 18th over, falling short of the daunting target.
Tahir’s performance, both with the ball and in his celebrations, played a significant role in shifting the momentum and securing the win for his team.