By Anees-ur-Rehman
Denting Pakistan’s semi-final hopes, South Africa held their nerves to beat the Green Shirts in a nail-biting world cup clash in Chennai on Friday.
This was Pakistan’s fourth successive defeat in the tournament. After this loss, the former world champions stand at sixth place on the points table.
While batting first, Pakistan did a tactical mistake by sending pinch hitter Iftikhar Ahmed up the order which backfired and the Green Shirts were bowled out for paltry 270 runs in the 46.4 overs, sparing 20 balls which played a vital role at the outcome of the match.
The Pakistan bowlers staged a stunning comeback to take five wickets for 54 runs when South Africa were on course at 206/4 in pursuit of 271 runs.
The turning point of the match came during the 46th over when Haris Rauf’s last ball of the spell struck on the pads of Proteas tailender Tabraiz Shamsi and the umpire gave him not out and Pakistan reviewed the decision which turned out in favour of Proteas on umpire’s call.
Later, the African side scored five runs off the two balls of Nawaz and sealed the victory.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) also came under scrutiny due to the controversial 'umpire's call' rule in the Decision Review System (DRS), which cost Pakistan a vital match.
Despite the loss, Pakistan put up a spirited show against Proteas which won the hearts of the nation. The Green Shirts not only garnered the respect and praise from Pakistan but also from across the border – India.
Taking to X, commonly known as Twitter, former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh said, “Bad umpiring and bad rules cost Pakistan this game.”
He further said, “ICC should change this rule .. if the ball is hitting the stump that’s out whether umpire gave out or not out doesn’t matter.. otherwise what is the use of technology???”
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) October 27, 2023
Star Indian commentator Harsha Bhogle felt there's a need to explain the umpire’s call again.
Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana also tweeted in favour of Pakistan. He wrote, “Yeh [Tabraiz] Shamsi out tha bro..”
Yeh Shamsi out tha bro..
— Ayushmann Khurrana (@ayushmannk) October 27, 2023Former star fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar shared a video message on his twitter handle and praised the Pakistani team for their brilliant comeback.
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) October 27, 2023
Pakistani star Ali Zafar took to his Twitter handle and said, "Pakistan won! That was an OUT! “Impact in line!” Yes, we can argue over it and can all have our own opinions. For me, Pakistan won.”
— Ali Zafar (@AliZafarsays) October 27, 2023
Star actor Mawra Hocane stated, "We are deeply saddened but just know we can’t ever be more heartbroken than our team… we are not in their shoes… this is not the time for blame game.. just accept what fate had in store for us! Be graceful about it.. it’s a game at the end of the day… Always behind my team… to better times InshaAllah"
Adnan Siddiqui, Asim Azhar and Momin Saqib also lent their support to the Green Shirts.