World Cup 2019: Supporters elated after Pakistan crush South Africa; even say ‘sorry’ to Sarfaraz Ahmed

The Pakistan national cricket team members had a terrible one week of their lives from June 16-23. A spineless show against arch-rivals India in the ongoing World Cup 2019 at Old Trafford, Manchester, led to a massive backlash. From the captain to the team members and even their families were not spared. One fan even compared captain Sarfaraz Ahmed with a pig while taking a selfie with him. In Pakistan, even courts were moved to penalise the Men in Green.

However, the sun shone bright again in Pakistan cricket under overcast conditions at Lord’s on Sunday as Sarfaraz’s men came back strongly to beat South Africa by 49 runs to stay alive in the tournament at the opponents’ expense. It is the second time that Pakistan made an emphatic comeback after losing a game (they beat England by 14 runs after getting blown away by the West Indies in the first match).

The same fans who started hating their national side were now content with it after the show against the Proteas. The Twitterati expressed its happiness with the former champions’ clinical show and expect them to produce the same in their remaining games against New Zealand, Afghanistan and Bangladesh. Pakistan have five points from six games now and another three wins will push them up to 11 points even though that might not be enough yet. Nevertheless, it was good to see the fans even apologising to the Pakistan team for the harsh reactions they came up with after the India loss.

Haris Sohail won it for Pakistan

Left-hand batsman Haris Sohail, who played his second match of the tournament at Lord’s, was the hero with 89 off 59 balls that powered Pakistan to 308 for 7 in 50 overs. South Africa never looked threatening and finished at 259 for 9 with their skipper Faf du Plessis making a half-century. Sohail was the man of the match.

The supporters showed their ruthless side after Pakistan lost their seventh successive match against India at the World Cup since 1992. Even former cricketers like Shoaib Malik called Sarfaraz a “brainless captain” for having chosen to bowl after winning the toss in the India game.

Here are some of the reactions the Twitterati came up with following Pakistan’s win over South Africa

Soryy sarfaraz.. we are sorry.. ????????????#SarfarazAhmed

— Fatima (@Fatima85081478) June 24, 2019

That’s like a true Gentleman !
Sarfaraz we are Sorry!@SarfarazA_54 #WeHaveWeWill pic.twitter.com/NIl56AjlvR

— Hidayat Khan (@IamHidayatKhan) June 23, 2019

Sarfaraz Bhai we are with you
I am sorry to say that It was such a shameful act performed from our side … These men are a pure reflection of their families … What they learn & what they do and they implement such kind of behaviours in practical life.#weStandwithSarfaraz

— Muhammad Amjad Sohail (@Muhamma26387581) June 22, 2019

I so so want @SarfarazA_54 to see this because of what he faced in past few days. He was criticized,insulted,body shamed & what not! But there were still some true fans who were supporting and backing him.Just like this 1????we are sorry #Sarfaraz for all the hate. @sarfarazkhush pic.twitter.com/aZfsfHnFgj

— ZED. K ???? (@Zainitertian) June 24, 2019

Respect ✊ boss #SarfrazAhmed we. Are sorry sarfaraz @SarfarazA_54

— Muhib.ur.rehman (@muhib_ur_rehman) June 23, 2019

Scenes at @HomeOfCricket ????#CWC19 #WeHaveWeWill #SarfarazAhmed pic.twitter.com/2I8OWR5o4l

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) June 23, 2019

@SarfarazA_54 congratulations sarfaraz bhai .we are sorry .

— Zeem Peerzada (@TheReaMujnabeen) June 24, 2019

Sarfaraz ! We are sorry ! @SarfarazA_54 #PAKvSA pic.twitter.com/Ha7suApGz6

— Musswair Ahmed (@MusswairA) June 23, 2019

#sorrysarfaraz ❤️❤️❤️

— Mian Huraira (@MianHuraira17) June 24, 2019