To keep T20 World Cup dream alive, Pakistan needed nothing less than a victory, and Shadab Khan’s all-around brilliance did the job.
After Pakistan’s rain-affected victory over South Africa on Thursday evening at the SCG, the Cornered Tigers are still in the running for an improbable semi-final spot. Pakistan has an undefeated T20 World Cup record against South Africa.
With the bat and ball, Shadab Khan saved Pakistan, helping the team to a 33-run victory using the DLS Method with a career-best 52 (22) and two wickets.Today Shadab Khan was fantastic with both the bat and the ball. Both innings of the game were turned by him.
Pakistan gave a thorough showing with the bat, ball, and in the field. Throughout the entire innings, Babar’s men continued to pick off wickets at regular intervals.
Temba Bavuma, 36 (19), who appeared to be in good form at the moment, and Aiden Markram, 20 (14), who was also in good form, were both dismissed by the leg-spinner in the ninth over.
This in turn had an impact on the side’s needed DLS score following the rain delay.
Pakistan’s earlier batting performance was problematic at 47/4.
In the first innings, Iftikhar Ahmed (51(35)) and Muhammad Nawaz (28(22)) combined for a 52-run partnership for the fifth wicket to steady the ship.
The South African bowling was then completely destroyed by an 81-run stand for the sixth wicket between Shadab Khan 52(22) and Iftikhar in just 35 balls. It didn’t help either that the proteas were missing their opportunities.
Player of the game Shadab
For Pakistan, Shadab Khan was exceptional.
He hit the second-fastest half-century by a Pakistani batter with 52 off 22 balls, including four sixes and three sixes.
When the rain started, South Africa was far behind the Duckworth Lewis Stern score and faced an impassable mountain when play resumed after he had taken two key wickets with the ball.
Mr. Shadab Khan “Although I have played (batted) in a similar manner in the PSL, this World Cup match is where I have played my best. Compared to Perth, the pitch was a little bit slower. I made an effort to bowl at the stumps, and it worked. I like to bat higher in the order, but I am willing to bat wherever if necessary depending on the scenario and the needs of the team.”
Babar Azam
Very pleased with the team’s performance. Me and Rizwan are not up to the task. But Haris, a different player, created the momentum with the manner he played. Outstanding work was done by Shadab and Ifti to close out the innings. Everyone is my best player, I’ll be honest.”
Tavuma Temba captain of South Africa
Our bowling session came to a very dismal conclusion. allowing them to quickly reduce their score to 5 and reach an impressive total. We have a lot of questions to ask. They merit praise. We were aware that the weather would pose some challenges. Although I don’t bowl, the bowlers do train under these conditions.”
Pakistan maintains its chances of making the semifinals by defeating South Africa in Group 2 of the tournament
Pakistan displayed excellent batting, bowling, and fielding. In every area, the men in green outperformed South Africa. Shadab Khan has been on fire with the bat and the ball.
The game was thrown on its head when he chose Temba Bavuma and Aiden Markram in the same over.
Then it started to rain, and the DLS method was calculated, which made things even worse for South Africa. As a result, the proteas gave a pointless performance. Pakistan maintains their chances of making the semifinals.
Master class in death bowling
Pakistan’s death bowling was excellent. started off with Afridi and Wasim Jr. backing him up superbly, and is now Naseem Shah. Brilliant yorkers and slower balls were thrown by the bowlers. With six balls, South Africa needs to score 41.
After a brilliant start with the bowl, South Africa lost the way at the death Iftikhar and Shadab made brilliant fifties and made an 82-run sixth-wicket partnership.
The ball was wet and too hard to grip for the seamers. The South African fielders dropped many of the catches at the death which they had to pay price for. Pakistan has a good attack and South Africa had good explosive batting it is going to be fun folks.
Iftikhar Ahmed has 50 points
Outstanding performance by the middle-order player. At the MCG, he scored early on against India. He entered the game today when his team was struggling and played a great counter-attacking inning.
What’s Next
Bangladesh, Pakistan, South Africa, and India all have a chance to advance to the final four. Among them, just two will.
On Sunday, South Africa will play the Netherlands , Pakistan takes on Bangladesh and India will face Zimbabwe .
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