Last Updated on 11 months by Charbel Coorey
PAK vs SA Twitter Reactions: Keshav Maharaj breaks Pakistan hearts | Twitter reactions to an outstanding game between Pakistan vs South Africa at Chennai
Fans had been asking for a thriller in this World Cup. And Pakistan vs South Africa delivered in spades. The Proteas broke Pakistani hearts in the most thrilling of finishes, as Keshav Maharaj, who finished with a nerveless 7 off 21 balls, sealed a one-wicket win in front of a strong crowd at Chennai.
Pakistan, whose best chance at victory was batting first, posted 270 on a surface offering some turn for the spinners and bounce for the seamers. However, crucially, Babar Azam’s team were bowled out 20 deliveries short of the 50-over mark in an innings spluttered with promising partnerships that didn’t eventuate into anything more substantial.
The crucial, 84-run partnership between Shadab Khan and Saud Shakeel was the highlight, but the loss of regular wickets meant that Pakistan’s bowling attack would have to produce a wonderful display. They fought hard in the field, taking regular wickets of their own courtesy of a mixture of good bowling, excellent catching and some brainless South African batting that further raises concerns of their ability to chase in big games.
However, the Proteas can revel in this victory and use it as a confidence booster going forward. Aiden Markram, who rode his luck at times, was strong for the most part, although he would have regretted his choice of shot with a century and victory in sight. Markram along with David Miller seemed to put South Africa in control, but Pakistan with their backs against the wall are never to be counted out. Shaheen Shah Afridi led the way with a magnificent spell, finishing with 3/45, with strong support from Usama Mir (2/45), Haris Rauf (2/62), and the returning Mohammad Wasim (2/50).
It was then Pakistan who thought they would seal victory after Rauf’s classic catch off his own bowling to dismiss Lungi Ngidi and reduce South Africa to 260/9. However, spin twins Tabraiz Shamsi and Keshav Maharaj held their nerve, with the latter latching onto a loose Mohammad Nawaz delivery down the leg side to seal the most thrilling of wins.
PAK vs SA Reactions: Pakistan now need a miracle to make semi-finals
Pakistan’s defeat was their fourth in a row. They now need New Zealand to beat Australia. Otherwise, they will sit four points outside of the top four with just three games to play.
Of course, Twitter exploded. Heartbreak was mixed with pure joy along with analysis of how to beat a strong South African team. Also, there were debates on the umpire’s call, with both teams experiencing each end of the spectrum.
