Cheers for Malik, pack up for India: Twitter reacts to Pakistan's win against Scotland
On Sunday, Pakistan defeated Scotland by 72 runs on the back of magnificent half centuries from Babar Azam and Shoaib Malik to set up a Twenty20 World Cup semi-final clash against Australia.
Babar scored a polished 47-ball-66 for his 24th fifty in Twenty20 internationals, and his fourth in five matches, while Malik smashed an 18-ball 54 not out as Pakistan posted 189-4 in their 20 overs. The victory gave Pakistan five wins in as many games, topping the Group 2 with ten points. They now face Australia in the second semi-final in Dubai on Thursday.
The win also prompted a wave of memes and celebrity reactions on Twitter, as the micro-blogging site relished with pictures of star players from yesterday's match, particularly Shoaib Malik. Many even poked fun at the Indian cricket team -- as per custom -- and bid Virat Kohli a long due farewell.
"I hope Indians are kind to their players on returning home without reaching the semis. After all its just a game Vurat Kohli," tweeted actor Aijaz Aslam whilst sharing a picture of the Indian skipper. "Bro, go via Pakistan, aik chai ka cup ho jae and we shall drop you back in full security #t20worldcup2022," he quipped ahead.
Singer Momina Mustehsan kept her followers updated with praises for Malik amid the match. "Legend is on fire!" she remarked.
Actor Humayun Saeed shared the ICC post announcing Malik's score that placed him on the top spot of the fastest 50. Alongside this, he tweeted, "Wah Shoaib Malik proud of you!"
While singer Fakhre Alam shared his and Wasim Akram's hilarious recreation of an interview Anjum Chopra conducted with Haris Rauf, that went viral due to the latter's expressions as he tried to decipher the questions in fluent Hindi. "I became Anjum Chopra and asked Wasim Akram questions in hardcore Hindi (I do apologise if I got some words wrong but it was all in good fun) and Wasim gave us the legendary Haris Rauf reaction…" he wrote,
Actor Mawra Hocane, on the other hand, simply celebrated the Pakistan cricket team's seamles advancement to the semis. "Unbeaten MashaAllah, Pakistan Zindabad," she tweeted.
While Mansha Pasha shared the ICC post highlighting the star players that led Pakistan to victories against India, New Zealand, Afghanistan among others. "Cheetay!" she called them.
Most Twitterati, however, couldn't get enough of the memes that kept pouring in as India lost all hope to progress to the semis post New Zealand's win. "Big News for India" is still trending on Pakistani Twitter. A user quipped, "If they [India] finish the match in three overs against Namibia, they can reach airport early."
"India's is the more comfortable group to be in #Mumbaiairport," joked another.
"Woh Mumbai airport jaane keliye Namibia se match khelna zaruri hai kya?" questioned one more in classic Munna Bhai fashion.
Now there's an idea: "Also if they change the Bombay Airport's name to Semi Final, they [India] can head there without any rival," suggested another.
Malik, however, dedicated his Man of the Match trophy from yesterday to his teammates, so as to motivate them for the big match against Australia. "I dedicate today's 'Man of the Match' to all team members of Pakistan squad, come on guys we can do this, inshAllah!" he assured his boys.
Go get 'em, you guys!
Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.