Watch: Rashid Khan, playing his first series of 2024, soaked in the applause after smashing a no-look six, holding the pose for an age in the aftermath.

The Afghanistan captain, who required back surgery after the 2023 World Cup, claimed 3-19 in his side’s defeat to Ireland in the first T20I, and provided an explosive cameo in the second. Coming in at 119-7 with 3.3 overs remaining, he blasted 25 off 12 to take his side to 152-9.

The highlight was a by-now trademark no-look six, off Barry McCarthy in the 18th over. The seamer veered too full, and Rashid was ready, keeping his head down as he swung the ball up and away over deep square leg. He held the pose in his follow through, and even after the ball had sailed over the ropes, the cameras panned back to him still with his bat raised, holding the blade in place even as his batting partner came down to congratulate him.

Rashid excelled with the ball again in the chase, taking 4-14.

Watch Rashid’s no-look six and pose-hold below:

🖼️ Hold the pose. Keep holding the pose. Hold it some more.

That’s Rashid Khan! #AFGvIREpic.twitter.com/j0jVg4piys

— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) March 17, 2024