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Pakistan skipper Babar Azam was seen shouting at Mohammad Nawaz after Pakistan slumped to a one-wicket defeat against South Africa in a thrilling World Cup 2023 encounter in Chennai on October 27, Friday.
Pakistan posted a not-so-impressive total of 270 for South Africa to chase. Temba Bavuma's men started the chase well with Aiden Markram hitting a brilliant 91 to steer Proteas closer to the finishing line. But Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf struck at the right moment to leave South Africa reeling at 260/9. But Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi held nerves and eked out a thrilling victory for South Africa which jeopardized Pakistan's chances to make it to the semifinals.
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But the game's climax revolved around the final delivery from Mohammad Nawaz, which, much to the chagrin of skipper Babar went awry. With the Proteas needing just four runs for victory, Babar meticulously set his fielders on the off-side, anticipating a shot in that region. However, in a twist of fate, Nawaz delivered the ball onto Maharaj's pads. Seizing the moment, Maharaj craftily flicked the ball, dispatching it past the short fine fielder for a match-winning boundary.
Babar was evidently frustrated with Nawaz's shocking delivery which ultimately scripted Pakistan's defeat.
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The loss brings them to the brink of World Cup exit with four losses in their six fixtures.
However, amidst the disappointment, the Pakistan team showcased commendable tenacity, dragging the game into a nail-biting conclusion, especially when the South African side appeared to be comfortably cruising at 206/4. Requiring just 65 runs from 17 overs, it seemed the game was firmly in South Africa's grasp.
Yet, in a display of sheer determination, Pakistan's pace battery orchestrated a stunning comeback, putting immense pressure on the Proteas. Despite their valiant effort, a crucial 11-run partnership for South Africa's final wicket sealed the deal in their favor.
Adding salt to Pakistan's wounds was a contentious LBW decision involving spinner Tabraiz Shamsi. With the on-field umpire ruling it not out, Pakistan, sensing an opportunity, opted for a review. The decision teetered on a knife-edge, with the ball-tracking technology indicating a close shave with the stumps. Ultimately, the "umpire's call" verdict played in Shamsi's favor. If the on-field decision had tilted towards the out signal, the game's outcome could have been radically different.
In the aftermath of the match, a visibly disheartened Babar Azam expressed his disappointment but was quick to laud his bowlers for their spirited fightback. Their relentless effort, which brought Pakistan back from the brink, will certainly be a silver lining they'll hold onto as they reflect on this encounter.
“We are very close, we did not finish well. Very disappointing for the whole team. We fought back very well. In the batting we were 10-15 short. The fast bowlers and spinners fought well but unfortunately it was not to be. It is part of the game, in DRS it is part of the game. Had he given it out, it would have favored us. We have an opportunity to win this and stay in the race but not to be. We will try our best in the next 3 matches and put our efforts and play for Pakistan. Let's see where we will stand after that,” Babar said during the post-match presentation following Pakistan's defeat.
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