It was one of those good days for Pakistan at the office. So far, they have brilliant in the match against South Africa, who posted a brilliant total on the board. It was the young Haris Sohail and the reliable Babar Azam, who did the trick for Pakistan against quality South African attack.
Getting into the details of the game, initially, it was Sarfaraz Ahmed, who won the toss, elected to bat first. They got a decent start with Fakhar Zaman and Imam Ul Haq delivering the goods at a good rate for the team. The dup have been brilliant in the powerplay overs to take down the attack.
However, then came to the masterman Imran Tahir, who broke the partnership of Pakistan openers. He sent both the openers in quick time to make things look easy for South Africa. However, Babar Azam and Haris Sohail did the job for Pakistan.
They both ensured Pakistan stay in the game by smashing South African bowlers all over the park with ease. Haris Sohail, in particular, has been sensational for Pakistan. He smashed South African bowlers at will and faced the spinners brilliantly as well.
On the other hand, Babar Azam also batted sensibly to tickle the scorecard more of than not. Azam was smart in finding the occasional boundary, which saw him recovering the strike-rate as well. In the end, it was Andile, who dismissed Babar to dent Pakistan.
But, Haris Sohail and Imad Wasim gave a much-needed boost to the team. Despite Imad returning to the pavilion, Sohail did what he does the best. In the end, they managed to post 308 runs on the board. For Proteas, Ngidi and Tahir are the picks of the bowlers.
Here are a few tweets:
Pakistan cricket can be so frustrating. Fakhar Zaman – so you've been batting beautifully, timing the ball so well, placing the ball perfectly and have the base for a big score. And then you play such a pathetic and unnecessary shot to get out #PAKvSA #CWC19
— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) June 23, 2019
Imran Tahir's day so far:
Claims a catch which is given not out
Gets Fakhar Zaman out
Brilliant caught & bowled of Imam-ul-Haq
Asks for a review without asking his captain which is given not out
Ran 800 metres just in celebrations
Smiles, anger & some boos from the crowd#PAKvSA— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) June 23, 2019
Cutest picture on internet today♥#PAKvSA pic.twitter.com/iSlcALNHU4
— j (@AintYourPikachu) June 23, 2019
Imran Tahir every wicket celebration journey : ❤ #ImranTahir #PAKvSA pic.twitter.com/Ten0U1i0CM
— Αℓιиα ? (@not_ur_x) June 23, 2019
https://twitter.com/BiasedSanjay/status/1142785097244057601
https://twitter.com/idcaleem1/status/1142785058211807232
https://twitter.com/karanJkh/status/1142785040545439744
Well Played Larka Haris Suhail ❤️❤️. 89 Runs In 59 Balls ? ❤️❤️. #PAKvSA
— Zohaib Asghar Bhatti (ZAB) (@AsgharZab) June 23, 2019
Can't believe this #PAKvSA pic.twitter.com/SShPYYDnrO
— Umer Qureshi (@umerqureshi462) June 23, 2019
Pak should have Played
Harris Sohail against India
Instead of Shoaib as he could have been a useful bowler! #PAKvSA pic.twitter.com/228KX0vS5Y— Thiruvalluvan22199 (@Thiruva09112489) June 23, 2019
Excellent finish for Pakistan! ?
Sohail led the charge with his 59-ball 89 after Azam’s half-century and contributions from the openers. ?? have set South Africa a target of 309.
Will that be enough? #CWC19 | #WeHaveWeWill | #ProteaFire pic.twitter.com/Jkjt5Pj47u
— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) June 23, 2019
What a knock from Haris Sohail!
He may have missed out on a ton, but his 59-ball 89 has boosted Pakistan past 300.
Can South Africa chase 309?#CWC19 | #PAKvSA pic.twitter.com/4zLz7nSvfn
— ICC (@ICC) June 23, 2019
Love you Haris Sohail you played like a champ today, Sarfaraz should drop Imam or Malik and let Haris play from now. 309 is defendable InshaAllah we will win today. #PAKvSA
— Hermes (@Methanoc) June 23, 2019
Pakistan lack little short, but no doubt it's enough for both teams, pakistan bat well and south africa haven't chased 300+ in world cup ever, so this is going to be interesting match, #PakvSA #WeHaveWeWill
— Ali Sohail (@alisoh1505) June 23, 2019
If South Africa lose today, they will become the second side after Afghanistan with no chance to qualify to the semis. #CWC19 #CWC2019#SAvPak#PakvSA
— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) June 23, 2019
Early signs the Other Pakistan have arrived at Lords … !! #CWC19
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) June 23, 2019
All the hard work undone by a poor choice of shot by @FakharZamanLive and it was not needed! He is better hitting the ball in front of square. #PAKvSA #CricketWorldCup
— Alan Wilkins (@alanwilkins22) June 23, 2019
Well played Babar Azam. Provided stability to inning and done his job well today. Haris playing game changer !
— Abdul Ghaffar (@GhaffarDawnNews) June 23, 2019