LONDON: Social media platforms exploded with excitement as Pakistan defeated the hot favorite host side, England, by 14 runs in a neck and neck game on Monday.
Pakistan, who lost the toss and were made to bat first, put up one of the highest World Cup totals, 348 for the loss of eight wickets. England, despite witnessing two brilliant batting performances, Joe Root (107) and Jos Butler (103), were 14 runs short at the end of 50 overs.
As Pakistan claimed their first victory in 2019 World Cup after a humiliating defeat to West Indies in the first fixture, Twitterati took to the social networking site to express their excitement and praise the ‘dark horse’ and ‘unexpected’ team of the mega event.
Prime Minister Imran Khan, a cricket legend himself, congratulated green shirts “for a great win and for coming back into form after a poor start in the warm-up matches and the first WC match”.
Congratulations to the Pakistan cricket team for a great win and for coming back into form after a poor start in the warm up matches and the first WC match. You have the talent, all you need is the self belief that you can go all the way.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) June 3, 2019
Former Indian batsman Virender Sehwag noted that the match witnessed “volatility at its best”.
Volatility at it’s best. Pakistan cricket ‘s unpredictability at it’s best. Completely down one match, and on top the next. Great win today for Pakistan, and an exciting match in this World cup finally. Well done #ENGvPAK
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) June 3, 2019
“Well done Pakistan cricket players,” wrote Journalist Rauf Klasra.
Great comeback after our “summer of discontent” in England.
Welldone Pakistan cricket players?— Rauf Klasra (@KlasraRauf) June 3, 2019
For Ali Khan Tareen, it was an “unbelievable” and “authentic Pakistan cricket” team.
Unbelievable. Amazing. Destroyed by the West Indies in the first game, beat the favourites in the second. Authentic Pakistan Cricket ??❤
— Ali Khan Tareen (@aliktareen) June 3, 2019
Filmstar Shaan Shahid was also happy to see “Pakistan cricket at its best”.
❤????#meningreen Pakistan cricket at its best .. never stop believing in the colour Green?? today you all played for the name on your chest not on your back ..PAKISTAN
— Shaan Shahid (@mshaanshahid) June 3, 2019
Actor Feroze Khan prayed that Pakistan team “come back home lifting the trophy”.
What a terrific performance by the Pakistan Cricket team ?? I pray these guys come back home lifting the trophy InshAllah !
— Feroze Khan (@ferozekhaan) June 3, 2019
Sindh Governor Imran Ismail also congratulated “The Unpredictables”.
The Unpredictables! Pakistan cricket at its best. One minute down, the next minute up!
Keep fighting
Congrats green shirts.#ENGvPAK— Imran Ismail (@ImranIsmailPTI) June 3, 2019
Indian commentator Harsha Bhogle observed that “with Pakistan, yesterday has no connection to today, today none to tomorrow”.
Just landed and see what a staggering performance Pakistan have put up. I told you, with Pakistan, yesterday has no connection to today, today none to tomorrow.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) June 3, 2019
Indian tennis star Sania Mirza found the World Cup “more interesting” after watching Pakistan “bouncing back the way they did and being as unpredictable like it always is”.
Congratulations to Team Pakistan on bouncing back the way they did and being as unpredictable like it always is !!! @cricketworldcup got more interesting than it already was ??
— Sania Mirza (@MirzaSania) June 3, 2019
“Pakistan ZINDABAD,” wrote Shaniera Akram, the wife of Wasim Akram.
Pakistan ZINDABAD??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
— Shaniera Akram (@iamShaniera) June 3, 2019
