Twitter Reactions: All-round Pakistan show South Africa the door of elimination

Pakistan’s confidence would’ve hit rock-bottom after their defeat to India. However, the Sarfaraz Ahmed-captained unit soared above the expectations and rolled over South Africa by 49 runs at the Lord’s Cricket Ground. Most importantly, they kept their hopes of playing the semis alive. For the Proteas, their World Cup campaign is all, but over, though they still have a couple of games left.

Sohail and Babar take charge

Pakistan had no hesitation to bat first and it paid dividends from the outset. Imam-ul-Haq and Fakhar Zaman stitched together a stand of 81 in 14.5 overs. However, Imran Tahir nipped out both Imam (44) and Fakhar (44) in quick succession to give South Africa a breather. Mohammad Hafeez got out to part-timer Aiden Markram against the run of play. Then, Babar Azam and Haris Sohail creamed the bowling pretty easily.

The duo added 81 runs to put their team in a commanding position. Babar got to his half-century in 61 balls and just when he was looking to step on the gas, Lungi Ngidi picked him up for 69. Sohail, who replaced Shoaib Malik in the XI, played his strokes freely and smashed the bowling to a 59-ball 89. Imad Wasim chipped in with a breezy 15-ball 23 towards the end to lend impetus. A decent batting show saw Pakistan amass 308 for 7 in 50 overs.

Pakistan prevails at the Home of Cricket

The Proteas made a poor start to their run-chase as Mohammad Amir trapped Hashim Amla in front. Thereafter, Quinton de Kock and Faf du Plessis put on 87 runs, but they couldn’t quite keep up with the scoring rate. De Kock got 47 and perished to a mistimed shot off Shadab Khan. Aiden Markram didn’t look comfortable during his 16-delivery stint in the middle and he became Shadab’s second victim.

Du Plessis tried to take on Amir and got out after a hard-fought 63 off 79 with five boundaries. With the required rate over 10, Rassie van der Dussen (36) and David Miller (31) tried hard, but couldn’t get going. The Pakistan bowling turned out to be too hot to handle as the Proteas capsized alarmingly. Andile Phehlukwayo threw his bat around for 46 runs and remained unbeaten, but his efforts were never going to be enough for South Africa.

Here is how Twitter reacted to Pakistan’s commanding win:

Excellent performance Pakistan! The bowlers backed up Haris Sohail’s brilliant batting effort. Hope the momentum will be sustained in the games ahead. BUT the fielding must improve so many dropped catches, can’t be excused at all! #WeHaveWeWill

— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) June 23, 2019

Pakistan stays alive…but only just. Even after this win, they’re nowhere close to getting into the top four. Must beat NZ and Bangladesh to compensate for the big losses vs WI and Ind. #CWC19  #SAvPak

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) June 23, 2019

I know, I know, I know!!

— Alviro Petersen (@AlviroPetersen) June 23, 2019

Round-Robin format rewards consistency. Methods. Processes. Everything that defines South African cricket….but #CWC19 has been a nightmare. One they must never forget. And they won’t…proud cricketing nation but currently in total disarray. #SAvPak

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) June 23, 2019

That last ball from wahab ..shades of the great @wasimakramlive ????????

— Herschelle Gibbs (@hershybru) June 23, 2019

The atmosphere in all the grounds for this #CWC19 have been absolutely fantastic..Most grounds jam packed.. #OnOn

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) June 23, 2019

Looking at mickey Arthur’s reactions to Pakistan’s fielding.. plenty f words???? rightly so!

— Herschelle Gibbs (@hershybru) June 23, 2019

It really has been difficult to watch. I try and consider the plans and thoughts but I’m baffled. #SouthAfrica #CWC19

— Graeme Smith (@GraemeSmith49) June 23, 2019

Pakistan’s cricket Team. pic.twitter.com/kBHUbXeMxC

— Mumtaz Hayat Maneka (@Mumtazz_Maneka) June 23, 2019

#PAKvSA

South Africa ???? pic.twitter.com/tpuBIfP1Xv

— Dr. Gill 2.0 (@ikpsgill1) June 23, 2019

South Africa becomes the second team to get eliminated from #CWC19 #PAKvSA #ProteaFire https://t.co/CjsVRETZbS

— Deepu Narayanan (@deeputalks) June 23, 2019

Good bye South Africa. A side which has looked clueless AF. Pity they couldn’t sort their woes in time.

— Nikhil ???? (@CricCrazyNIKS) June 23, 2019

South Africa make an early exit & RIGHTLY SO. #PAKvSA #SAvPAK #Cwc19

— Manoj Dimri (@manoj_dimri) June 23, 2019

Great job by the Pakistani bowlers, SA having a painful tournament nothing going there way. As I said to chase 300+ they required a team effort but an odd 50 won’t get you there.#CWC19 #PAKvSA

— R P Singh रुद्र प्रताप सिंह (@rpsingh) June 23, 2019