Pakistan maintained their 100 per cent record at the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup with a comprehensive win over Scotland in Dubai on Sunday, November 7. With this victory, Pakistan also set up their semi-final clash against Australia at the same venue on Thursday, November 11.
Batting first, Pakistan captain Babar Azam – who has scored four half-centuries in five innings in the tournament – hit five fours and three sixes during his 66-run knock and anchored the Men in Green’s innings.
Shoaib Malik took over the charge after Azam’s dismissal and thrashed the Scottish leg-spinner Chris Greaves for 26 runs in the final over. Malik finished with six sixes and one four in his quick-fire 54 not out, equalling India opener KL Rahul’s record of fastest fifty in the tournament.
With the ball, Pakistan – who have now won 16 consecutive T20Is in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) – continued to hurt the opposition with fast bowlers Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Hassan Ali and all-rounder Shadab Khan taking wickets at regular intervals. They restricted Scotland for just 117-6 and🅘 sealed the contest by a heavy margin of 72 runs.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
The absolute joy on 🦋the faces of the Pakistan supporters at Sharjah ref🌠lects all the joy and fulfillment of sports.
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi)
Only undefeated team in the
Well played,
Go 💯well in the semis. Only Asian team in the final four. Try ⛎to keep the trophy in the subcontinent, neighbours 🙌👍— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash)
Shoaib malik class batting 18 ball 54 👏🏏
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh)
Pakistan continue to impress & excite. The only unbeaten team in the World Cup overwhelm Scotland, the evergreen Shoaib taking one's breath away with a special half-century. They have all bases beautifully covered, semifinal opponents Australia have been forewarned!
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281)
An absolutely brilliant from 👏👏👏👏
— Azhar Mahmood (@AzharMahmood11)
To the fans… The has been most impressive… a s🦄🃏emi final vs awaits! Well played 👏
— Danny Morrison (@SteelyDan66)
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB)
4 out 4 has been a tremendous effort by the green shirts. Wishing a very good luck to our team for today's match against a decent side of Scotland. May our team continue the winning streak till we get to the 🏆 InshaAllah 🙌🏼
— Wahab Riaz (@WahabViki)
Malik you beauty !
— Ebba Qureshi (@EbbaQ)
Old is always gold! Great power hitting by also good to see him doing so good before the ❀semis. has been amazing all along! Mashallah
— Umar Gul (@mdk_gul)
Pakistan unbeaten. Very very well played. Tough semi final against Aus but they have been stellar so far. ꦚAnd very pleased for you. Well played.
— Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar)
