Twitter Reactions: Australia tonk Pakistan to keep World T20 hopes alive

Published - 25 Mar 2016, 19:07 IST | Updated - 25 Mar 2016, 19:07 IST

2 Min Read

In a crucial game for both Australia and Pakistan in Mohali, Aussie captain Steve Smith won the toss and elected to bat first. Australia brought in opener Aaron Finch and fast bowler Josh Hazelwood while Pakistan brought in pacer Wahab Riaz.

Australia began well with Usman Khawaja playing his natural game but Riaz then struck twice to send back both Khwaja and Warner in quick succession. Steve Smith then showed his master class with a 61-run knock from just 43 balls along with some good support from Maxwell. Shane Watson who came to bat in the middle order slammed 44 off 21 balls as he propelled the Australian total to 193/4 in their quota of 20 overs.

On the other hand, Pakistan batting began with Sharjeel playing his natural game while the more experienced Ahmed Shehzad got out early. Khalid Latif played a poor innings by T20 standards as he scored 46 (41) but nevertheless were valuable runs had someone else played an explosive knock alongside. Umar Akmal failed to inspire his good start while Shoaib Malik came too late as he remained not out at 40 from 20 balls.

James Faulkner went on to take a five-wicket haul as he deservingly won the man of the match. Australia went on to win by 21 runs as Pakistan were knocked out of the World T20. Australia vs India on Sunday is now a virtual quarter-final for both the teams with the winner going ahead.

Twitter kept everyone entertained by lauding both the retiring stars Watson and Afridi. Here are some of the Twitter reactions that took place during the course of the game:

The latest Group table which confirms that #PAK are OUT of #WT20 with #AUS v #IND now a virtual quarter-final! pic.twitter.com/ncDds8txtf
— ICC (@ICC) March 25, 2016

Sarfaraz at 8. Malik getting only 20 balls to bat. Plenty of Qs. #Pak fails to go past the league phase in 2 consecutive #WT20 #Bing #DilSay
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) March 25, 2016

Pakistan need 59 runs from 24 balls. Michael Hussey smashed 60 runs from 24 in THAT innings. #WT20
— Nikhil Mane ??? (@nikhiltait) March 25, 2016

Great to see a young leggie @zamps63 announcing himself on the world stage. @ICC @CricketAus #wt20
— Michael Slater (@mj_slats) March 25, 2016

Afridi lived & died by the sword as he's done all thru his career.Dont know if we'll see him again.Salute to a gr8 entertainer #DilSay #Bing
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) March 25, 2016

Afridi starts his innings with a big six? Is he batting for the last time for #PAK? Or will he script a fairy tale victory? #AUSvPAK #WT20
— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) March 25, 2016

https://twitter.com/cricketopia/status/713332457546756096

Bowled. There was pressure on Sharjeel to hit every ball, Australians had to hit just once. #WT20
— cricBC (@cricBC) March 25, 2016

Pak were sloppy in the field, bowling poor. Surely, Aus won't return the favour. Tough chase for Pak. #AUSvPAK #WT20
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) March 25, 2016

Shehzad did a big favor to #PAK by throwing away his wicket. Can we get somebody who can score please?https://t.co/7CviLoUidr #AUSvPAK
— The Furred Umpire (@TheFurredUmpire) March 25, 2016

https://twitter.com/holdingwilley/status/713326637220241408

Another brilliant comeback from Aussies
From 57-3 to 193-4
Tough for Pak to stay in this World Cup now
— Shubh AggarWall (@shubh_chintak) March 25, 2016

Watson scores 44(21)* as he wins a battle against Riaz. Amir goes wicketless. #AUSvPAK #WT20
— Sameer Allana (@HitmanCricket) March 25, 2016

Stick of rhubarb Geoffrey… https://t.co/hX8u1GDJjl
— simon hughes (@theanalyst) March 25, 2016

https://twitter.com/cricketopia/status/713317763947704320

Steve Smith is back in form and ready for the Indian bowlers ?? #AUSvPAK #WT20
— Ankit Mishra (@editedidea) March 25, 2016

https://twitter.com/holdingwilley/status/713314254632394752

Afridi to Watson. Contest between Almost retired. #WT20
— cricBC (@cricBC) March 25, 2016

Complete moron Glen Maxwell. These are the times when you feel Mumbai Indians once rightly benched him#WT20 #AusvsPak
— TheGoanPatiala (@TheGoanPatiala) March 25, 2016

https://twitter.com/crickethuddle/status/713311884624023552

Big over! #AUS move in to the hundreds. They reach 112/3 after 13 overs
LIVE https://t.co/1Zsk3yuKaW #AUSvPAK #WT20 pic.twitter.com/Uzxg4Uj7OL
— ICC (@ICC) March 25, 2016

Sami's freebies costing Pak dear. Beautiful batting pitch, but score in excess of 175 will be difficult to chase #DilSay #Bing #PAKvsAUS
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) March 25, 2016

Smith playing with a clear mind against spin #england
— David 'Bumble' Lloyd (@BumbleCricket) March 25, 2016

Talk about the reverse sweeps, the lap shots, the scoops, But the classic sweep shot is the best Maxwell stroke. #WT20
— Manya ? (@CSKian716) March 25, 2016

Maxwell v Afridi is sure to bring some excitement! A four via a reverse sweep and then a cheeky little chip down the ground. #AUS 3-83 #WT20
— cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) March 25, 2016

Wahab's on a roll, rattling Warner's middle stump! Watch #PAK v #AUS on Sky Sports 2. https://t.co/2bFVcMo8Ux #WT20 pic.twitter.com/s5CwzxNmpe
— Sky Sports Cricket? (@SkyCricket) March 25, 2016

So much time for Australia having so many good batsmen and still being awful at batting
— Peter Miller (@TheCricketGeek) March 25, 2016

Wow, Wahab Riaz. That was some ball! To one of the best players of pace in Warner. Did him for speed!
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 25, 2016

SHOT! Beautiful pull shot from Khawaja, he just picked that up from Wahab and sent it over the fence. #AUS 0-28 (3.2) #WT20 #AUSvPAK
— cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) March 25, 2016