T20 World Cup 2022: Shadab Khan's all-round performance sinks South Africa

Shadab Khan and Iftikhar Ahmed rescue Pakistan

Pakistan looked like they were in deep trouble when they were reduced to 43/4 in just seven overs. Mohammad Haris entertained for a brief while with his 11-ball knock of 28 at the top of the order, but Babar Azam (6), Mohammad Rizwan (4) and Shan Masood got dismissed cheaply, leaving the lower middle-order with a lot of catching up to do.

Iftikhar Ahmed stepped up to the plate and delivered when his team needed him most. He built a 52-run stand with Mohammad Nawaz first, then an 82-run stand for the sixth wicket with Shadab Khan to take Pakistan to a total of 185/9. Iftikhar's innings of 51 from 35 deliveries was impressive, but what made the difference was Shadab's 22-delivery knock of 52, which included three fours and four sixes.

Man of the Match

Shadab Khan wins the Player of the Match for his all-around performance. He says that he has done this in PSL as well; he adds that this is an international game, so this is the best one. He further states that the pitch was a good one and a bit slower compared to Perth and has a spin. He mentions that he is happy to bat anywhere. He ends by saying he is satisfied with the win and contributes to the team.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">South Africa on back foot!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PAKvsSA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PAKvsSA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pakistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pakistan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SouthAfrica?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SouthAfrica</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BabarAzam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BabarAzam</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ShaheenAfridi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ShaheenAfridi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/T20?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#T20</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldCup</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rabada?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rabada</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ShadabKhan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ShadabKhan</a> <a href="https://t.co/PUYiYyAwRb">pic.twitter.com/PUYiYyAwRb</a></p>&mdash; Sky11 (@sky11official) <a href="https://twitter.com/sky11official/status/1588119261855506433?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 3, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Captain’s Corner

Babar Azam, the skipper of Pakistan says that they performed well and he is happy with the win. Adds that they were not up to the mark but Haris came on and set the momentum. Further says that everyone is his best player and everyone is the match winner. Says that the first two losses cost them but the way they played their last two was amazing. Ends by saying that cricket is a funny game and anything can happen.

Temba Bavuma, the skipper of South Africa says that he is disappointed with the bowling and fielding towards the end. Adds that they shouldn't have allowed Pakistan to post a formidable score after them being five wickets down. Shares that they need to ask questions of themselves and come up with answers and solutions. He credits Pakistan with the way they batted and bowled. Reckons that weather is not an excuse since the bowlers practice with the wet ball as well. Feels that they did not adapt quickly and bowled with the shorter side of the ground instead of using the bigger side. Ends by saying that the game against the Netherlands is a big game for them and they will try to take learnings from tonight's game to that game on Sunday.