Twitter Reactions: Sarfraz Ahmed's whirlwind knock denies Scotland a victory

Scotland entered into this game on the back of a 6-run victory against the World No. 1 side England in the one-off ODI. However, Kyle Coetzer-led team couldn’t extend the smiles on their fans faces as they went onto lose the first T20I against Pakistan by 48 runs. The hosts were expected to put up a good show but that never happened during the course of the game.

It was Sarfraz Ahmed who won the toss and opted to bat first on the pitch which was graveyard for bowlers. Ahmed Shehzad and Fakhar Zaman opened the innings for visitors and added 33 runs before the former departed for 12-ball 14-run knock with two fours. Fakhar Zaman also followed Shehzad’s way after adding 13 more runs on the board.

After Pakistan lost two wickets for 46 runs, Hussain Talat came in at the No. 3 slot. He failed to make an impact but stitched an important partnership with the skipper Sarfraz Ahmed. Captain Sarfraz went onto score unbeaten 89-run knock off 49 balls with 10 fours and three sixes. It was Malik’s innings that stole the limelight as the veteran scored with a brilliant pace – 27-ball 53-run knock with five maximums.

With 205-run target, Scotland sent their power-packed openers into the middle. After the opening duo added 53-run partnership, Munsey handed his wicket to Hasan Ali for 25 runs off 22 balls. Richie Berrington came at no. 3 but failed to make much impact. Captain Coetzer added 31 runs off 18 balls before getting out to Mohammad Nawaz. In-form MacLeod was expected to trouble Pakistani bowlers but failed in doing so.

Dylan Budge and Michael Leask tried their best to create ruckus in Pakistan team but the former ended his knock off Mohammad Amir for 24 runs. However, Scotland crossed 150 run mark but they were never in the contest after losing Kyle Coetzer‘s wicket. Eventally, hosts conceded the game to No.1  T20I side by 48 runs. For Pakistan, Shadab Khan was pick of the bowlers for picking two important wickets for just 25 runs.

Here’s how Twitterati reacted to the game

18 wins for Sarfraz Ahmed in 21 T20Is as Pakistan Captain. This makes him the 2nd most successful T20I captain in Pakistan history surpassing Mohammad Hafeez (17 wins in 29 matches). #SCOvPAK

— Israr Ahmed Hashmi (@IamIsrarHashmi) June 12, 2018

Just a reminder:

Pakistan are no. 1 in the ICC Men's T20I Team Rankings and Scotland are no. 11#SCOvPAK

— FoMA Ramteke (@fomaramteke) June 12, 2018

Well played Pakistan , tough outing for the Scots but they will come back strongly tomorrow I’m sure. Great working with the team @ITWSports . See you all tomorrow folks 👍

— Niall John O Brien (@niallnobiobrien) June 12, 2018

In 20 of the 21 T20s Pakistan has played under the leadership of Sarfraz Ahmed, a left-handed bowler has opened the bowling innings. #SCOvPAK

— Israr Ahmed Hashmi (@IamIsrarHashmi) June 12, 2018

Sarfaraz Ahmed's 89* today is his highest score in T20Is, surpassing his previous highest of 76* against New Zealand in 2014 #SCOvPAK

— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) June 12, 2018

What have I learnt from this Scotland versus Pakistan match:

Pakistan has some excellent bowlers and explosive batsmen in this format
Face fresh beauty cream is the way forward
Lays and Hum because life needs flavour
Use golden pearl milk soap – Kar de sab ko fida#SCOvPAK

— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) June 12, 2018

Last 6 T20Is for Pakistan: Won Won Won Won Won Won #ScovPak

— Malik Ijaz (@ImIjazMalik) June 12, 2018

#Pakistan becomes the first team to score 180+ in 5 consecutive games while batting first #SCOvPAK

— Ather Satti (@SattiAther) June 12, 2018

Pakistan win by 48 runs.

Scotland after 6 overs 56-1
Next 14 overs 100-5#SCOvPAK pic.twitter.com/Z30j3RO25I

— Abhijeet (@TheYorkerBall) June 12, 2018

A 200+ target would have been beyond most teams in the top 10, but @CricketScotland played well and put up a good fight towards the end. Keep it up boys! Healthy cricket all around! #SCOvPAK

— Sohaib Furqan (@sfurqan92) June 12, 2018

Well played @TheRealPCB and unlucky @CricketScotland. Tomorrow is another day. #followscotland #SCOvPAK https://t.co/L3JeCLZurf

— Malcolm Cannon (@malcolmcannon62) June 12, 2018

Highs & Lows of #SCOvPAK match
Highs
1. #Sarfraz gets rid of dust on bat
2. #Malik stamps late onslaught yet again
Lows
1. Pacers leaked too many boundaries
2. Ordinary wicket keeping by skipper
End of the Day #Pak wins 6th consecutive #T20

— Muhammad Daim Fazil (@DaimFazil) June 12, 2018

Commanding performance from Pakistan.@SarfarazA_54 & @realshoaibmalik were unstoppable with the bat. Shadab, Nawaz & Hasan bowled well.

— Nabeel Hashmi (@HashmeNabeel) June 12, 2018

Sarfaraz Ahmed – Age 31
Mohammad Nawaz – Age 24
Sarfaraz to Nawaz "Shabaash Beta" 😀#SCOvPAK #Cricket

— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) June 12, 2018

Excellent bowling from Pakistan's spin duo of Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz.
Shadab 4-25-2
Nawaz 4-22-1
Combined 8-47-3#SCOvPAK #Cricket

— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) June 12, 2018