Thank you South Africa, you’re massive chokers: Shoaib Akhtar delighted as Pakistan attain T20 World Cup semis

T20 World Cup 2022: Former pacer Shoaib Akhtar stated he did not suppose Pakistan deserved. an opportunity to succeed in the semi-finals after their loss to Zimbabwe however the Netherlands did them an enormous favour by beating South Africa in Adelaide on Sunday

New Delhi,UPDATED: Nov 6, 2022 13:58 IST

Shoaib Akhtar thanked South Africa for serving to Pakistan attain the semi-finals (AFP Photo)

By India Today Web Desk: Much like hundreds of thousands of Pakistan cricket workforce followers, former quick bowler Shoaib Akhtar additionally woke as much as nice information because the Netherlands had knocked South Africa out of T20 World Cup 2022 with a shock win and opened the doorways for Babar Azam’s males to succeed in the semi-finals from Super 12 Group 2.

Pakistan, who suffered a shock loss to Zimbabwe, headed into their last Super 12 match in opposition to Bangladesh with little or no hopes of creating the semi-finals. Pakistan wanted the Netherlands to tug off an upset win over South Africa or Zimbabwe stun India to maintain their hopes alive.

Pakistan attain T20 World Cup semis

While a South African defeat seemed unbelievable, the Netherlands did Pakistan an enormous favour by surprising South Africa by 13 runs as Temba Bavum’s males crumbled below stress whereas chasing 159 in Adelaide. South Africa let go off a golden alternative to succeed in the semi-final as they wanted to beat the Netherlands to e book a spot within the last 4.

In a World Cup of upsets, South Africa’s loss on the ultimate matchday within the Super 12 stage dominated headlines as Pakistan followers woke as much as a optimistic piece of reports. All Pakistan needed to do was beat Bangladesh they usually did so by 5 wickets to progress to the semi-finals.

A fiery spell from Shaheen Afridi (4/22) and a pivotal effort from Shadab Khan noticed Bangladesh lowered to 127 for 8 in 20 overs of their do-or-die match. Despite Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan struggling to get going once more, Pakistan rode on a surprising counter-attack from Mohammad Haris noticed Pakistan gun down the overall with 11 balls to spare.

“I just woke up. Thank you, South Africa. You guys are big chokers because you gave Pakistan another chance. It was a big favour. All Pakistan needs to do is just go out there and win this game.

“I didn’t suppose Pakistan deserved this opportunity after shedding to Zimbabwe however Pakistan received a lifeline, a lottery. I believe Bangladesh are nice folks however we want this World Cup, we have to see India as soon as once more,” Akhtar siad in a video posted on social media.

Pakistan moved to six factors from 5 matches and certified for the semi-finals together with India, who had been set to face Zimbabwe of their last Super 12 match.

Under Babar Azam, Pakistan have reached the semi-finals in successive T20 World Cups.

Published On:

Nov 6, 2022