Twitter Reactions: Pakistan's World Cup dream in jeopardy as Proteas' juggernaut continues in Chennai

The ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 got its first thriller as South Africa beat Pakistan by one wicket on Friday, October 27 at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. After opting to bat first, Pakistan were bundled out for 270 in 46.4 overs. In reply, South Africa chased down the target in 47.2 overs as Keshav Maharaj hit the winning runs.

The Proteas lost their in-form opener Quinton de Kock early in the chase for 24 (14). However, their innings was held together by Aiden Markram who played a magnificent knock of 91 (93). But things got worse for South Africa following his dismissal in the 41^st over as they were left reeling at 250/8 needing another 21 runs to win. Keshav Maharaj (7* off 21) and Tabraiz Shamsi (4* off 6) guided their team home in 47.2 overs and won the game for their side.

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Earlier in the day, Pakistan captain Babar Azam won the toss and elected to bat first. However, his decision wasn’t vindicated by openers Abdullah Shafique (9 off 17) and Imam-ul-Haq (12 off 18) who both fell prey to Marco Jansen leaving their side on 38/2 after 6.3 overs. Mohammad Rizwan walked in at number four and played some good shots. However, he failed to convert his start and got dismissed on 31 off 27 by Gerald Coetzee.

Tabraiz Shamsi starred with the ball for South Africa

Captain Babar continued to hold one end and scored his third half-century of the tournament but he once again failed to convert it into a big score and got strangled down the leg side. Saud Shakeel (52 off 52) and Shadab Khan (43 off 36) added 84 runs for the sixth wicket off 71 balls to help Pakistan cross the 220-run mark. Mohammad Nawaz (24 off 24) contributed in the end but Pakistan failed to bat the entire 50 overs and got bundled out for 270 in 46.4 overs.

Tabraiz Shamsi was the pick of the bowlers for South Africa as he scalped 4/60 in ten overs while Marco Jansen picked up 3/43 in nine overs.

Also Check: ODI World Cup 2023 Points Table

Meanwhile, X was abuzz with reactions on South Africa’s thrilling win. Here are some of the posts:

Tonight we had a long tail and they remained composed under pressure. #CricketWorldCup2023 #proteas

— Graeme Smith (@GraemeSmith49) October 27, 2023

Pakistan lost. but what a fight yar great game of cricket. #PakVsRSA .

— Mohammad Amir (@iamamirofficial) October 27, 2023

💔 😢

— Naseem Shah (@iNaseemShah) October 27, 2023

Hey Keshav….you are the Maharaj 🙏🏽#CWC23 #SAvPak

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) October 27, 2023

Significant victory for South Africa. Needed it that way.#CWC2023

— Mpumelelo Mbangwa (@mmbangwa) October 27, 2023

Yes man, @keshavmaharaj16 you beauty #Proteas #CricketWorldCup2023

— Graeme Smith (@GraemeSmith49) October 27, 2023

ODI CRICKET !! You BEAUTY ❤️. This is what you play for ‘ what a game ! Well done @ProteasMenCSA . #SAvsPAK

— Shreevats goswami (@shreevats1) October 27, 2023

What a game of cricket! Pace, Spin, Outstanding hitting, Thrilling finish! Everything 😍😍😍 #CWC2023

— Jaydev Unadkat (@JUnadkat) October 27, 2023

Two calls went against team Pakistan. Wide and LBW. Looks like South Africa got some Luck with solid game this World Cup… #PAKvSA

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) October 27, 2023

Finally a great game of cricket .. #CWC2023

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) October 27, 2023

Haris Rauf takes a spectacular catch!! SA are now 9 down!!#PAKvsSA

— Saeed Ajmal (@REALsaeedajmal) October 27, 2023

Finally a thriller this #CWC23. Great treat for the Chepauk crowd #PAKvSA

— S.Badrinath (@s_badrinath) October 27, 2023

Great to hear ‘Dil Dil’ Pakistan being played in Chennai today 👍 #CWC2023

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) October 27, 2023

Proteas passing the chasing test to .. good to see ✅

— Herschelle Gibbs (@hershybru) October 27, 2023