by Pakistan turned around a dismal start to reach the semi-finals of the tournament after beating Bangladesh.
Two games, two last turnovers. This is how Pakistan started its T20 World Cup campaign.
Pakistan, 2007 finalist, 2009 winner and perennial contender for the T20 crown, sealed another unexpected tournament comeback by beating Bangladesh by five wickets on Sunday and finishing in the last four where they will face either New Zealand or England.
It’s not the first time Pakistan have reached the knockout stages of a tournament like this.
After losing their first two matches of this T20 World Cup, Pakistan qualify for the Group 2 semi-finals.
Pakistan Cricket dil mai aati hai, samajh mai nahi
— Rehan Ulhaq (@Rehan_ulhaq) November 6, 2022
Translation: We love Pakistan cricket but can’t understand it.
Her two World Cup victories (50-over format in 1992 and World T20 in 2009) came from late climbs and other results.
In 1992, Pakistan won just one of their first five matches, winning the tournament. In 2009, Pakistan lost their first group game as well as the opening game of the Super Eight but ended up becoming champions.
And here we were today. Holding onto a fool’s hope https://t.co/MRRZG2gfJU
— Assad (@LeftArmAround) November 6, 2022
Commentating on tonight’s game, former Pakistan batsman Bazid Khan referred to those two tournaments when he said: “The stars are back for Pakistan and they are in the semis”.
Fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi delivered a match-winning performance of four wickets in 22 bowls, echoing the sentiments of Pakistani fans and players who are hoping their side will end the tournament on another high.
“We are very happy. We played great. Now we are looking forward to the final,” he said after Pakistan’s victory.
Pakistan only. Only Pakistan can go from an embarrassing early departure to becoming the most dangerous team in the world #T20WorldCup within 6 days
— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) November 6, 2022
Pakistan opened their tournament campaign with a last-ball loss to arch-rivals India, followed by another last-ball loss to less-loved Zimbabwe.
By the time Pakistan played its third game, India had won two games while South Africa and Bangladesh had won one each.
Dreams had already been shattered. There was no hope. Fans had sold their tickets for the semifinals. Pakistan was down and (almost) out.
Win all 5 ❌
Win the remaining 4 ❌
Win the remaining 3 and hope one team wins all their games ❌
Win the remaining 3 and pray for a division of the Nile, demons that will devour (and 🇳🇱 beat 🇿🇦) your opponents ✅✅✅
— Umair Javed (@umairjav) November 6, 2022
The team then played the Netherlands knowing that despite winning their last three games they would have no control over their fate.
A six-wicket win over the Netherlands earned them their first two points. They then defeated South Africa in a rainy match and went into the final day of group games hoping and praying that either the Netherlands or Zimbabwe would stage an upset and give them a chance to progress should they beat Bangladesh.
Friends in need are really friends. Congratulations @KNCBcricket!
Congratulations @TheRealPCB.
🇵🇰🇳🇱. #semifinals#T20worldcup pic.twitter.com/DwaQFy9Qx2— Shahnawaz Dahani (@ShahnawazDahani) November 6, 2022
The Netherlands did just that, recording a shock win over South Africa, who seemed destined to reach the last four.
The Dutch gift put Pakistan’s fate back in their own hands and they made sure there was no slip this time as they beat Bangladesh with 11 balls to go.
What an incredible moment for all fans of Pakistani cricket… As a sports fan, you live days like these!
— Nitin Sundar (@knittins) November 6, 2022
#Stars #Alignment #Pakistan #reach #semifinals #T20 #World #Cup
