In an unexpectedly close match between Pakistan and Afghanistan on Friday, all-rounder Shoaib Malik emerged as the “match saviour” for the green shirts.
The senior cricketer played a calculated and mature innings and took Pakistan across winning in last over after hitting a six and four on two consecutive balls.
Pakistan which were cruising at one point to the 258-target, soon collapsed as batsmen, one after another, started losing their wickets cheaply to Afghanistan bowlers. During that critical situation, Malik played a memorable innings and earned the victory for Pakistan.
After the victory, the all-rounder is ruling the Twitter as social media users are praising his innings and batting.
One social media user wrote: “The experience of Shoaib Malik bailed Pakistan out today. He took the chase deep and targeted specific bowlers. In the end 51*.”
The experience of Shoaib Malik bailed Pakistan out today. He took the chase deep and targeted specific bowlers. In the end 51* #PAKvAFG #AsiaCup2018 pic.twitter.com/Gla8duohth
— Lúßñâ Mãlîk ✳??✳ (@lubna_pakistan) September 21, 2018
Giving reference to Indian online series, one wrote: “That’s Malik the great in #PAKvAFG #AsiaCup2018 #alonewarrior #malikthegreat.”
That’s Malik the great in #PAKvAFG #AsiaCup2018 #alonewarrior #malikthegreat pic.twitter.com/SXGYHZTfZG
— Muneeb ?? (@muneebtalks) September 22, 2018
Praising the sportsman spirit of Shoaib Malik and Hasan Ali, one wrote; “Shoaib Malik has shown what a Champion he is, and what’s the importance of experience in these types of situations. sportsman spirit. Malik and Hassan Ali.”
Shoaib Malik has shown what a Champion he is, and what’s the importance of experience in these types of situations.
sportsman spirit….?? Malik and Hassan Ali❤#PAKvAFG #AsiaCup2018 pic.twitter.com/XZTPHR84B2— ~Hadharaam (@MrHadharaam) September 22, 2018
One Twitter user shared Malik’s video after the victory and wrote: “Cool and calm Shoaib Malik signing autographs and posing for pictures with Pakistan fans.”
Cool and calm Shoaib Malik signing autographs and posing for pictures with Pakistan fans #AsiaCup2018 #AFGvPAK pic.twitter.com/DtxlSIJ3PH
— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) September 21, 2018
Another user shared the clip of Malik, in which he was consoling Fakhar Zaman after he dropped the catch, “Malik to Fakhar after he dropped the catch”.
Malik to Fakhar after he dropped the catch … pic.twitter.com/jdlEQUys2F
— Taimoor Zaman (@taimoorze) September 21, 2018
One user shared Malik’s after-the-match video in which he commented on his performance and match: “Shoaib Malik talked about his performance after the match.”
Shoaib Malik talked about his performance after the match.#PAKvAFG pic.twitter.com/rGZcCSd5fj
— N. (@__Niazz) September 21, 2018