As shocking as it may seem, but Pakistan did manage to beat the world’s number one ranked team. After the way in which Pakistan meekly surrendered against India in their opening game, no one would have even expected the team to put on such a fine performance, as they did against South Africa in Birmingham. With the win, Pakistan’s campaign in this tournament is alive and kicking and now, a victory over Sri Lanka could well be their ticket for the semi-final.
Things began with some exceptional bowling as barring David Miller, none of the South African batsmen displayed any resistance and was undone by the sheer unpredictable nature of the Pakistani outfit. All bowlers chipped in with decent contributions and that restricted South Africa to a below-par 219-8 in 50 overs.
Pakistan began the chase extremely well and debutant Fakhar Zaman was superb in his debut. However, a double-wicket over from Morne Morkel saw both openers being dismissed and a lull followed. However, the side didn’t lose hope and managed to scrape to 119-3 in 27 overs before the heavens opened up.
As per the D/L method, Pakistan were 19 runs ahead, enough to give them a victory. Fans on Twitter reacted to the shocking result, and below are some of the tweets.
If Rain Continues, Pakistan Will Win By 19 Runs (D/L Method).Rain Won't Stop, Because It's Not Rain#PAKvSA #SAvPAK #PAKvsSA #SAvsPAK #CT17 pic.twitter.com/phLFZjMopJ
— Sir Jadeja fan (@SirJadeja) June 7, 2017
I want Pak to win comprehensively by chasing the target down even in the 50th over. Rain will take half the credit away. #PAKvSA
— Usman Shahid (@Steel_Man_Usman) June 7, 2017
Full credit to the passionate crowd who came to support Pakistan❤
despite awful first match!
#PAKvSA #CT17 pic.twitter.com/U6bi8yUmiK— Syeda Mahnoor Ali Shah (@mahnoor_alishah) June 7, 2017
#PAKvSA NRR will be around -1.55 after win.
— Najam Ul Hasan (@najam_121) June 7, 2017
England and Wales, worst venue for this big tourny! #CT17 #PAKvSA
— BILAL TARIQ (@BeelaalTariq) June 7, 2017
https://twitter.com/PoweTverya/status/872548860022980610
https://twitter.com/maryamramzan64/status/872548749054267393
You can't say better luck for Pak ??due to rain. Today they were on driving seat & played well #PAKvSA
— Asif Mujtaba Thind (ACCA, BSc Hons Oxford Brooks) (@asifmujtaba1991) June 7, 2017
https://twitter.com/graphicalcomic/status/872548601074860032
https://twitter.com/behumbl3sitdown/status/872548439275470848
Even bangladesh is playing ODI But Pak team has nt revived frm their WI Test series. Nd their fans hoping fr semis #PAKvSA #SAvsPAK
— Chowkidar Kim-Jong-Un (@KimJongUnuke) June 7, 2017
#PAKvSA 】I was sure about #Fakhar and his skills he played really fantastic knock, gave sharp start and is very talented @iramizraja
— Muhammad Saqib Janjua ? (@saqibbjanjua) June 7, 2017
You vs the guy she tells you not to worry about#PAKvSA pic.twitter.com/EBZbRloVAN
— Zaighum Jamil (@ZaighumJamil) June 7, 2017
The ground is really wet & there is still light rain. #PakvSA
— zainab abbas (@ZAbbasOfficial) June 7, 2017
https://twitter.com/CricketUrdu/status/872549765615161348
The ground is really wet & there is still light rain. #PakvSA pic.twitter.com/jnTZ3Bz8AZ
— Abdul Wahab Khan (@AbdulWahab007_) June 7, 2017