False Claim Viral That Hashim Amla Was Fasting When He Scored 311 Runs in 2012

The claim was used to question Indian cricketer Mohd Shami over not fasting during the 2025 Champions Trophy.

Social media users have recalled veteran South African cricketer Hashim Amla's remarkable performance, scoring 311 runs (not out) against England at The Oval in London in 2012.

The claim: Those sharing this story have claimed that Amla was fasting for Ramazan when he scored the triple century.

• This claim is being used by social media users to criticise Indian cricketer Mohammad Shami after an image of him consuming an energy drink at the match against Australia as a part of the 2025 International Cricket Council (ICC) Mens Champions Trophy on 4 March in Dubai went viral.

• A Muslim cleric went on to say that Shami had committed a 'sin' by not fasting in the ongoing holy month of Ramazan.

(Archives of similar claims can be found here and here.)

Is the claim true?: No, the claim is false.

• As per news reports, Amla clarified that he was not fasting while playing against England.

What we found: We ran a relevant keyword search and found an article by The Guardian from 2012. It was about Amla's remarkable innings against England in London.

• The article noted, "Amla claims that he eats like a rabbit but, unfortunately from the perspective of England's bowlers, he does not bat like one. The only surprise is that this devout Muslim is eating at all, for it is Ramadan and in the past not even Test cricket has been allowed to interrupt the vigilance of his religious observance. Here, though, he has put fasting on hold. (sic)"

• The cricketer told The Guardian that he was NOT fasting during the match:

"Because I'm travelling away from home I don't have to fast. So I haven't been fasting. But I will make it up when I get home."

Hashim Amla to The Guardian

• Similarly, a 2019 piece on Amla in Cricbuzz noted his cricket career.

• The article noted his triple century in 2012 and said, "And as it was Ramadan, Amla did not drink any water out on the field - although he was not fasting on match days, he kept his consumption to the confines of the dressing room out of respect for his fellow Muslims who were." (sic.)

Conclusion: A false story about Amla's 2012 innings against England is being spread to shame Shami.

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