Minutes after Pakistan overcame New Zealand by 6 wickets in Birmingham, the social media got flooded with the best wishes of their fans and well-wishers, the former players, and most prominently, the Pakistan Prime Minister.
On Wednesday, the Green Brigade confined the Kiwis to 237 runs in 50 overs, courtesy Shaheen Afridi for his figures of 3 for 28 in 10 overs, including three maiden overs. But during the chase, a trembling Pakistani effort was steadied by the maiden century of Babar Azam and won Pakistan the match in the last over.
Man of the Match Babar scored 101 not out. Haris Sohail provided the much-needed support from the other end with a gritty 68.
“Congratulations to our cricket team for a great comeback. Congratulations especially go to Babar, Haris and Shaheen for their brilliant performances,” Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan tweeted on Wednesday night.
Congratulations to our cricket team for a great comeback. Congratulations especially go to Babar, Haris and Shaheen for their brilliant performances.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) June 26, 2019
Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Akhtar, Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis also took to Twitter to congratulate the Pakistan team.
“Brilliant batting by Babar Azam and Haris Sohail, special win for Pakistan. Babars batting through the innings has made all the difference. The talent of Haris Sohail, his shot making is pure class. Pakistan are back in this World cup!” tweeted Afridi
Brilliant batting by Babar Azam and Haris Sohail, special win for Pakistan. Babars batting through the innings has made all the difference. The talent of Haris Sohail, his shot making is pure class. Pakistan are back in this World cup! #WeHaveWeWill #BoomBoomPakistan 🇵🇰💪🏼🏆 pic.twitter.com/r6Xz3nwdQM
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) June 26, 2019
“Match winning inning from Babar Azam. Brilliant display of talent by Haris Sohail. What a class act he is turning out to be. Shaheen Afridi bowled with pace & aggression. Pakistan Zindabad. One step closer to the dream,” said Akhtar.
Match winning inning from Babar Azam. Brilliant display of talent by Haris Sohail. What a class act he is turning out to be.
Shaheen Afridi bowled with pace & aggression.
Pakistan Zindabad. One step closer to the dream. #PAKvNZ #CWC19— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) June 26, 2019
“Pakistan keep the dream alive!” tweeted Wasim.
Pakistan 🇵🇰 keep the dream alive! #PAKvNZ #CWC19
— Wasim Akram (@wasimakramlive) June 26, 2019
“Congratulations Pakistan and Well done Team Green You guys played like Champions,” said Waqar on the micro-blogging website.
Congratulations Pakistan and Well done Team Green🇵🇰 You guys played like Champions #PAKvsNZ #CWIC2019 #PakistanZindabad
— Waqar Younis (@waqyounis99) June 26, 2019
The win ensured that Pakistan remain in the hunt for a berth in the semi-finals. And while the team currently has seven points from as many matches, they need both luck and wins in their remaining two matches to ensure the path ahead to the semi-finals.