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Shoaib Akhtar (Image source: Twitter)
Pakistan have defeated South Africa in their do-or-die match on Thursday. With this win, the Men in Green have kept their hopes of a semi-final qualification still alive. The Babar Azam-led side clinched the thrilling win on the back of a great all-round performance and defeated South Africa who were so far undefeated in the 20-20 World Cup 2022.
Ecstatic at Pakistan’s performance, former pacer Shoaib Akhtar has come out with applause for the team. In a video released on his social media pages, the Pakistan fast bowler hailed the team for a great comeback after back-to-back losses against India and Zimbabwe.
“What a great comeback from the Pakistan cricket team. Well done! Jo teame South Africa ke khilaf kuchh nahi kar payi Pakistan ne kar ke dikhaya. I really really hope my prediction goes wrong today and Pakistan somehow tries to qualify for the semi-final. Aur South Africa ko faiting inhone bahut lagayi, “said Akhtar after Pakistan’s win.
Why didn't they play Mohammad Haris earlier?- Akhtar
The Rawalpindi express also lauded Shadab Khan and Iftikhar Ahmed for their match-winning contributions and also asked why Mohammad Haris wasn’t played so far. “Well done Shadab aur well done Iftikhar. Again you have proved so many people wrong, including me. You’ve done an amazing job. Haris kahan tha bhai, pahle kyu nahi khilaya usko?” asked Akhtar.
“But again Pakistan has done a wonderful job, “ commended the former fast bowler. Akhtar however was also surprised at South Africa’s fielding as they dropped a number of sitters in the first innings. “Aur South African kya kar rahe hain, catching practice kara rahe hain, ek catch nahi parya unhone, "concluded Shoaib Akhtar.
Pakistan have now moved to third in Group 2 having earned 4 points in 4 matches. India meanwhile remain top with 6 in 4 followed by South Africa who stay at second with 5 points. Pakistan are to play against Bangladesh next while India go against Zimbabwe in their final Super 12 match. Elsewhere South Africa will play against the Netherlands to cement their Semi-final spot.