ICC World Cup 2023: Pakistan wins the toss against South Africa, and opts to bat first.
In the ongoing World Cup, Imam-ul-Haq has played six innings, scoring a total of 162 runs off 180 balls. His average is 27, with a strike-rate of 90. Got out again on 12 runs after facing 18 balls.
Mohammad Rizwan has amassed 2000 runs in One Day Internationals (ODIs). Rizwan appears to be from a different planet; he responds to Jensen’s aggression with a smile. Rizwan has an exceptional skill in playing spin, prompting South Africa to introduce spinners as soon as he steps up to bat. Mohammad Rizwan greets Keshav Maharaj with a powerful slog sweep!
Pakistan has accumulated a score of 84 for the loss of two wickets after 15 overs.
The pitch is intriguing. Despite Maharaj putting a lot of spin on the ball, there’s not much actual turn. However, the ball is holding up before reaching the bat. Scoring runs isn’t particularly challenging, as Pakistan has demonstrated. As a bowler, you need to be spot-on with your length.
Pakistan cricket fans often assert that “Babar Azam is a special talent.” I concur with this statement. I haven’t witnessed anyone quite like Babar who struggles to rotate the strike or play aggressively to score boundaries. Instead, he tends to accumulate runs by capitalizing on poor deliveries sporadically.
South Africa On Fire with 3 Wickets.
Pakistan in Trouble as their Most In-Form Batsmen Rizwan Gone Early Coetzee. What has Temba eaten today? He seems so full of energy. He’s hitting it everywhere!
ftikhar is a power hitter, much like Surya Kumar Yadav. It’s challenging to rein in his natural instinct to attack. Sending him to play 35 balls before Shakeel was a misguided move. This reflects smart captaincy by Temba Bavuma. Iftikhar Ahmed is dismissed by Tabraiz Shamsi! Pakistan loses their fourth wicket. Iftikhaar Ahmed is out for 21 runs. Pakistan is in trouble.
I don’t blame Iftikhar today. Everyone knows he lacks the ability to construct an innings or handle spin. My criticism lies with the management, who succumbed to media pressure by promoting Iftikhar in the batting order. His struggle was bound to happen. Additionally, this decision has affected Saud’s position further down the order.
Fans of Quinton De Kock at the Chepauk Stadium.
It’s unfortunate that we got out to short balls on a seemingly flat pitch. It really depends on who is delivering those bouncers. There aren’t many who stand at 7 feet 8 inches tall, causing the ball to come down from nearly a 10-foot height.
Pakistan is at 134 for 4 in 26 overs.
The ranking is secure for now, but there’s a concern that Babar might collapse, as has often happened in the past. King Babar Azam is leading from the front once again! He reaches 50 runs. This marks two consecutive fifties for the captain. 🇵🇰 Great knock, Skipper!
It’s important to understand that Babar isn’t to blame for the narrative created by fervent Kohli fans, dubbed “Zimbabar,” driven by animosity and arrogance. In this #CWC23, he had a chance to definitively silence them, but unfortunately, he fell short. This narrative may well define his career. Let’s refrain from emphasizing his age; he’s currently in his prime. However, by the next World Cup, he might have passed that peak and be in a phase similar to where Root and Kohli are presently.
Pakistan is at 140 for 4 after 27.1 overs.
The matchup between spinners and Babar Azam is truly a tale of contention.
Babar Azam faced a challenging spell against the South African spinners, particularly Tabraiz Shamsi, who took two crucial wickets, including that of Babar himself. The question arose: why persist with the sweep shot when it wasn’t proving effective? This sentiment was echoed by many fans. Babar’s departure after reaching 50 runs led to some playful speculation about his post-match plans. Meanwhile, supporters bid him goodbye, urging him to book his tickets to Karachi airport.
Babar Azam scored 50 runs off 65 balls against South Africa while batting first. Some critics label him as a shameless stat-padder for such performances. As the innings unfolded, there was a sense that Pakistan might end up with a total around 210, given the current situation at 150-6. The match’s outcome remained uncertain, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
Pakistan has surpassed the 250-run mark in 43 overs!
Pakistan vs left arm wrist spinner
Saud Shakil displays excellent batting form as he reaches his third ODI half-century.
Nawaz smashes Tabriz Shamsi for a powerful six! Great shot!
