‘Jabba humara protein hi nakli hai’ – Fans react as South Africa beat Pakistan by 1 wicket in CWC 2023

In a nail-biting clash, South Africa secured a thrilling one-wicket victory over Pakistan in the 26th match of the ODI World Cup 2023. The winning moment came when spinner Keshav Maharaj struck the final runs, with Usama Mir and Shaheen Shah Afridi’s quick wickets creating a tense atmosphere.

Earlier in the game, opting to bat first after winning the toss, Pakistan faced an early setback as Marco Jansen swiftly dismissed both openers, Abdullah Shafique and Imam-Ul-Haq. Despite the challenging situation, skipper Babar Azam, alongside wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan, managed to stabilise the innings, adding 48 runs for the third wicket.

Rizwan’s impactful innings of 31 runs off 27 balls, including four fours and a six, came to an end with Gerald Coetzee’s delivery. Following Rizwan’s departure, Iftikhar Ahmed stepped in to support Babar, contributing 43 runs for the fourth wicket. However, their promising partnership was short-lived, with both players losing their wickets. Babar, marking his second consecutive half-century, scored 50 runs, while Iftikhar accumulated 21 runs.

In the later stages, Saud Shakeel and Shadab Khan revived Pakistan’s innings, crafting an impressive 84-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Shakeel’s well-crafted 52 runs off 52 balls, adorned with seven boundaries, and Shadab’s brisk 43 off 36 balls, comprising three fours and two sixes, helped Pakistan cross the 250-run mark. Notably, spinners Tabrez Shamsi and Marco Jansen led South Africa’s bowling attack, claiming four and three wickets, respectively.

Keshav Maharaj stole the show with his fighting performance

While chasing the target, South Africa faced an early setback as pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi dismissed opener Quinton de Kock for 34 runs. Despite skipper Temba Bavuma’s 28 runs and Rassie Van der Dussen‘s 21 runs, South Africa found themselves struggling to establish substantial partnerships.

However, Aiden Markram’s resilient 91 runs off 93 balls, featuring seven fours and three sixes, provided a strong foundation. In a thrilling climax, Usama Mir and Shaheen Afridi’s quick wickets added suspense to the game, but Keshav Maharaj’s determined performance secured South Africa’s victory. This defeat virtually eliminated Pakistan from the tournament.

Here is how fans reacted to South Africa’s exhilarating triumph:

pic.twitter.com/CM6AyRQoYg

— Radhika Chaudhary (@Radhika8057) October 27, 2023

https://twitter.com/JagoIndia_/status/1717950850419888495?s=20

https://twitter.com/LoyleRohitFan/status/1717950584853336170?s=20

https://twitter.com/be_mewadi/status/1717950876332298747?s=20

Full silence on the stadium.

— Vishal (@kohlifanvishal) October 27, 2023

https://twitter.com/asmemesss/status/1717950418007806281?s=20

https://twitter.com/IAmGrootX18/status/1717950367886184765?s=20

https://twitter.com/IAmGrootX18/status/1717950438283292920?s=20

Pak qualifies for Karachi Airport

— CricLoverShanky (@CricLoverShanky) October 27, 2023

Hindu sher Keshav Maharaj knocked Pakis out of the WC, yeyyyyyyy

— Rahul Varma (@urscoolrahul) October 27, 2023