Twitter reactions: Shadab Khan shines as Pakistan pip South Africa to keep semi-final hopes alive

In a rain-affected clash, Pakistan defeated South Africa by 33 runs (DLS method) at Sydney Cricket Ground on Thursday to keep themselves alive in the race to the semis of T20 World Cup 2022.

Batting first, Pakistan were in a spot of bother after losing five wickets for just 95 before Iftikhar Ahmed and Shadab Khan stedied the innings. Both Iftikhar (51) and Shadab (52) smashed respective half-centuries, forming an 82-run partnership for the sixth wicket to take Pakistan to a fighting total of 185/9 in their allotted 20 overs.

In response, South Africa were never in the game as they lost four for 69 in nine overs before the equation was changed due to rain. The game was then reduced to 14 overs, and the target for South Africa was 142, leaving them with 73 to get in 5 overs.

The task was extremely difficult, and not surprisingly, the Proteas couldn’t achieve the target and finished at 108/9, losing the contest by 33 runs. Shadab, who shined with the bat, picked up two wickets for 16 in 2 overs, while Shaheen Afridi bagged a three-wicket haul for 14.

Here is how Twitter reacted:

2️⃣2️⃣-ball 5️⃣2️⃣ and a double-strike in his first over 🌟@76Shadabkhan bags the player of the match award for his all-round heroics 🏆#WeHaveWeWill | #T20WorldCup | #PAKvSA pic.twitter.com/cFaBrOWCsW

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 3, 2022

Pakistan keep semi-final hopes alive, clinching a win in the Group 2 clash against South Africa 🌟#T20WorldCup | #PAKvSA | 📝: https://t.co/3VVq7VAJLt pic.twitter.com/hfsNzCivam

— ICC (@ICC) November 3, 2022

What a player Shadab Khan is. Proper all-rounder

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) November 3, 2022

ICC inviting fans for Semi finals with no clarity about who's playing who and where 😅 #PAKvSA #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/QFsTE1nzwq

— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) November 3, 2022

This is for my entire team who have supported me throughout. I try to give it my all for them and for the fans of Pakistan cricket. Will always keep believing and working hard no matter what. #PakistanZindabad pic.twitter.com/aO6QAe9IKl

— Shadab Khan (@76Shadabkhan) November 3, 2022

Alhamdulillah. Another victory! Thoroughly enjoying my batting down under. Bohat he ‘Shadabdaar’ performance by @76Shadabkhan Bhaijaan. pic.twitter.com/TN4f6Qr9tp

— Iftikhar Ahmad (@IftiAhmed221) November 3, 2022

Shadab Khan "I have batted like this in PSL, but this is a World Cup match, so it's my best innings. I like to bat up the order, but it depends on the situation and what the team requires, so I am ready to bat anywhere" #T20WorldCup #PAKvSA pic.twitter.com/qO4q4UdM39

— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) November 3, 2022

What can you say about this Pakistan team. After the disappointment of the first two games & the uninspired win in the 3rd…few gave them a chance against South Africa: the form team of the World Cup. Then they come out and do this. Pakistan Cricket: Truly one of a Kind. #PAKvSA pic.twitter.com/BgwFbEgsq8

— Aatif Nawaz (@AatifNawaz) November 3, 2022

Shadab Khan, one of the many leg spinners doing well in this World Cup. Ring a bell somewhere? #PAKvSA

— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) November 3, 2022

Ah, Shadab a yer face… #PAKvSA

— mark butcher (@markbutcher72) November 3, 2022

Only Pakistan cricket can have such a start to the tournament & then become the first & only team to beat the only unbeaten team in this #T20WorldCup . 🙏🏽😂🇵🇰 #pakvsa

— Asim Azhar (@AsimAzharr) November 3, 2022

The whole country made fun of him when he said, “Australia may chakay marna koi bara masla nahi hai”

Remember his last six was the biggest one of the tournament.

Iftikhar rocked 🔥 #PAKvSA

— Ihtisham Ul Haq (@iihtishamm) November 3, 2022

Lovely knock Shadab khan you beauty @76Shadabkhan

— Sharjeel khan (@SharjeelLeo14) November 3, 2022

Shadab Khan, the MVP of Pakistan in T20.

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) November 3, 2022

Many 🇦🇺 cricket fans have learned tonight why Ponting was so keen to shun more marketable players like Russell and Faf to get @76Shadabkhan and two of his Islamabad teammates to Hobart. He can win matches in both innings on the same night #T20WorldCup

— Aaron Murphy (@AaronMurphyFS) November 3, 2022

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November 03, 2022 at 07:03PM