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A seemingly promising match that many presumed lent itself in favour of Pakistan's potential victory was turned on its head as India's cricket team clinched a nail-biting victory. The team from across the border triumphed by six runs despite a modest total of 119 on a challenging pitch.
A lot happened before, during, and after the match. Naseem Shah gave it his all and was devastated by the end of the match, making his onslaught of fans tear up with him. Jasprit Bumrah made an entire population loathe his existence, whilst becoming a hero for the other half of the divided subcontinent.
As always, though the game was on for a particular amount of time, the attendees, reactions, and aftermath, all made for a viewing just as intriguing as the showdown on the field.
When things were good
There was a time when victory seemed possible and within the Pakistan cricket team's grasp. At this point, resident cricket enthusiast and viral sensation Momin Saqib's seemingly innocent jibes at India did not sting as much as they do in retrospect. His social media is inundated with live commentary and post-match blues.
The camera also managed to spot many famous faces in attendance. Malala Yousafzai was spotted with her husband, and many caught a glimpse of Anushka Sharma as well. Anwar Maqsood was seen cheering on the team, thanks to a video shared by Bilal Maqsood. Humayun Saeed and Hadiqa Kiani were also spotted in attendance.
Ayesha Omar shared a series of images of her clad in team colours. She said alongside, "No matter what happens, we are hopeful. We will win." Singer Taha G also shared a video of his attendance at the match. Seated in a sea of Indians, he roared, "All seems silent," when India seemed to have staggered due to a perceptively achievable target.
The memes at this point were also popping. An account titled Digink, a hub of Pakistani pop culture content, released a series of memes that struck a chord at every point during the match. For instance, when things seemed to be in Pakistan's favour, the page posted a screenshot of the viral "sacrifice my whole life for Pakistan" video, captioning it, "Us watching the match right now." This was followed by a hilarious image of "Dil Dil Pakistan." The memes only got sadder as the match proceeded.
When things went South
Once Pakistan began to show signs of edging towards defeat, and when the team finally lost, a lot of people had A LOT to say. Beginning with our local celebrities, Asim Azhar used choice words to convey on X (formerly Twitter) that he was "done," adding a "goodbye forever" for good measure. Singing sensation Hasan Raheem said, "Our team is punishing us for something."
Good bye forever I am done with this shit
— Asim Azhar (@AsimAzharr) June 9, 2024
Hamari team hamey kis cheez ki saza day rahi hai
— hasan raheem (@hasanraheeem) June 9, 2024
Adnan Siddiqui was not as forgiving with his analysis. "Unbelievable!" he voiced on X. "Gully cricket boys could've done better. You lost an easily winnable game with such a lacklustre performance. This isn't the level of play we expect from you. Time to step up and show some real fight! Utter disappointment," he added.
Unbelievable! Gully cricket boys could've done better. You lost an easily winnable game with such a lacklustre performance. This isn't the level of play we expect from you. Time to step up and show some real fight! Utter disappointment. #PakVsInd pic.twitter.com/cYjoxLIdmW
— Adnan Siddiqui (@adnanactor) June 9, 2024
PR maven Frieha Altaf, while appreciating our bowlers, posted on X, "Congratulations India for winning. A real shame the Pakistan team could not bring it on!" Umair Jaswal, too, shared an image of one of the reviews, saying alongside, "RIP Pakistan cricket."
Congratulations 🥂 India for winning. A real shame Pakistan 🇵🇰 team could not bring it on!!! #PakvsInd #INDvsPAK #cricket
— Frieha Altaf (@FriehaAltaf) June 9, 2024
Pakistani 🇵🇰 bowlers today #PakvsInd pic.twitter.com/R08YuVM5xN
— Frieha Altaf (@FriehaAltaf) June 9, 2024
This and that
There were, of course, other reactions that emerged from the match. One fan, who was frustrated by the excuses made by the team, posted on X, "Can't even blame the bowling today Babar, should we place blame on Malala?"
aaj tou bowling ko kuch nahi bol saktay babar bhai kya kerna hai malala pe daal dain??
— nma (@namaloomafraaad) June 9, 2024
However, a poignant moment was also captured on camera where two players from the opposing teams were seen displaying love and camaraderie. Sharing an image of two opposing players high-fiving each other, one X account wrote, "One is born with love. Hatred is taught."
Muhabbat insan ke sath janam leti hai,
— Moments & memories (@momentmemori) June 9, 2024
Aur nafrat sikhayi jati hai. #IndVsPak #PakVsInd pic.twitter.com/6dA1aEeX7a
In a hilarious history lesson, another post on X went viral, where an English account posted about being unaware of what "India vs Pakistan" was all about. A legendary reply retorted, "No one else did until you arrived in the subcontinent."
This comment #PakVsInd #INDvsPAK pic.twitter.com/qzjvhjqIY6
— Moments & memories (@momentmemori) June 9, 2024
A crestfallen Naseem Shah, who gave it his absolute best and displayed incredible sportsmanship in the final over, was seen in tears after the match. Many fans rushed to chide the team that made the same happen. "You bunch of corrupt thugs, you made my hero cry today," said one fan on X. "Chin up, Naseem. You’re a hero and man of this match. The whole country is behind you," they added.
You bunch of corrupt thugs, you made my hero cry today… chin up @iNaseemShah!! You’re a hero and man of this match. The whole country is behind you 😘🫶♥️#NaseemShah #IndvPak pic.twitter.com/6faeILGo6S
— Ihtisham Ul Haq (@iihtishamm) June 9, 2024
Another admirer posted an image of a heart - yes, the whole organ - and wrote alongside, "Me outside Naseem Shah’s hotel room." Yet another said, "Naseem Shah and the bowlers, you once again deserved better."
me outside naseem shah’s hotel room pic.twitter.com/mi6hJ4fZ4b
— Faizan (@faizannriaz) June 9, 2024
Naseem Shah and the bowlers, you once again deserved better. pic.twitter.com/guaRhcPr96
— Switch Hit (@_SwitchHit) June 9, 2024
This defeat places Pakistan in a precarious position, necessitating victories in their remaining matches against Canada and Ireland to keep their Super Eights hopes alive. Meanwhile, both the USA and India, with four points each from their two games, will be closely watching Pakistan's progress, ready to capitalize on any slip-ups.
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