In the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023, the cricketing world witnessed a gripping encounter between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. New Zealand's 5-wicket victory further solidified their position in the quest for a semifinal berth. However, as the Kiwis soared, the road for Babar Azam's Pakistan grew increasingly treacherous.
New Zealand's victory against Sri Lanka created an even bigger challenge for Pakistan. The Kiwis now sit in the fourth spot with 10 points and a superior net run rate. To qualify for the semifinals, Pakistan faces a daunting task against England. If they bat first, Pakistan must win by a massive margin of 287 runs, while if they bowl first, they need to chase down the target with 284 deliveries to spare. Afghanistan is also in contention but has a worse net run rate than Pakistan. The fourth-placed team in the points table will face India in the semifinals at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Pakistan in every ICC Tournament:
— Radhika Chaudhary (@Radhika8057) November 9, 2023
Skills - 2%
Qudrat Ka Nizam -98%
The End of Pakistan Cricket _#NZvsSL #QudratKaNizam pic.twitter.com/g3KhnGv0zT
NZ bowlers after destroying the expectations of Pakistanis __ #NZvsSL #QudratKaNizam pic.twitter.com/ZtdYfGxBh0
— Deepak (@MemerDK) November 9, 2023
Pakistanis __ after knowing that they won't get humiliated by India in the Semifinal. #NZvsSL #SLvsNZ | #QudratKaNizam | #ByeByePakistanpic.twitter.com/yl0J2GIaC8
— The CrickFun (@TheCrickFun) November 9, 2023
Pakistani fans right now _ #QudratKaNizam #NZvsSL pic.twitter.com/1fuGLE8s4m
— Umer Asim (@UMER_ASIM_2078) November 9, 2023
Qudrat ka Nizam to Pakistanis Today_ #NZvsSL #CWC23 #SLvNZ #QudratKaNizam #WorldCup2023 #PAKvsENG pic.twitter.com/HBuAlezHYg
— HayziL (@YKQur) November 9, 2023
So our WC hopes are over now _#NZvsSL #QudratKaNizampic.twitter.com/u6oA2Lc7By
— SAAD __ (@SaadIrfan258) November 9, 2023
Srilankan team booked Pakistani players flight to Karachi.#NZvsSL #QudratKaNizam pic.twitter.com/OmLrUJu1Ff
— Zeeshan __ (@Shani_7800) November 9, 2023
Now NewZealand will chase it down in 15 overs and Pakistan would have to defeat England by 578 runs to qualify __#NZvSL #QudratKaNizam pic.twitter.com/5mKD9lQnzT
— Ying u (@yingu121) November 9, 2023
Their consistent ability to entertain us with their stupidity is truly a gift that keeps on giving.. __#QudratKaNizam #Pakistan #PakistanCricket #NZvsSL #NZvSL pic.twitter.com/GGHHLRFiZa
— R S ____ (@rs_rajender) November 9, 2023
Pakistan are almost out of the World Cup __
— _____ _____ (@TejasShipe) November 9, 2023
Exclusive reaction from Babar Azam :#NZvsSL #SLvsNZ #QudratKaNizampic.twitter.com/50egi7EkXE
Pakistan team finally qualified for
— Kanker News (@KankerNews16) November 9, 2023
Karachi airport.__
Irfan Pathan right now __
And
Elon Musk change the like button ____#NZvSL #QudratKaNizam#Semifinal #PakistanCup #BrandedFeatures pic.twitter.com/sFI4KELMoP
Sri Lanka Cricket break Babar Azam semis hope_
— Ashutosh Srivastava __ (@sri_ashutosh08) November 9, 2023
Rain break Sara Pakistanis hope
Kiwis break Qudrat Ka Nizam
Irfan Pathan sir_
Ind vs NZ Semi final
Pakis need to beat England by 287 runs.#NZvsSL #PAKvsENG#Hafeez #Semifinal #PakistanCricketTeam#BabarAzam #QudratKaNizam pic.twitter.com/CqFHizCsEU
After the revelation of Pakistan's nearly impossible qualification scenario following New Zealand's win, social media platforms have been flooded with relentless trolling of the Pakistani cricket team. Fans and cricket enthusiasts, from around the world, have taken to Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to share memes, sarcastic comments, and witty hashtags, adding salt to Pakistan's wounds. The cricketing fraternity can be a harsh and unforgiving place, and as the improbable task ahead of Pakistan looms large, the trolling shows no signs of abating. It's a tough situation for Babar Azam's men, and they are undoubtedly feeling the heat, both on and off the field.
New Zealand's chase of a modest 172 began with promise as openers Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra provided an ideal start. They raced to 73 runs in the powerplay, putting Sri Lanka on the backfoot. Nevertheless, Sri Lanka clawed back with three quick wickets, courtesy of Dushmantha Chameera and Maheesh Theekshana.
New Zealand's captain Kane Williamson, who had been consistent throughout the tournament, failed to make his mark in this match. His dismissal was a rare sight as he attempted a cut shot, but an inside edge shattered his stumps. It was a moment that provided a glimmer of hope for Sri Lanka.
Mark Chapman and Daryl Mitchell, through a miscommunication, handed Sri Lanka their fourth wicket. Mitchell's attempt to clear the boundary ended with a catch by Asalanka at deep mid-wicket. However, Glenn Philips and Tom Latham ensured that New Zealand chased down the target without any further hiccups.
In the first innings, New Zealand's pace bowling attack set the tone by picking up early wickets. Trent Boult, in particular, was outstanding, conceding just one run in the first over. Tim Southee also contributed by dismissing Pathum Nissanka early. Sri Lanka struggled as wickets kept falling.
Amidst the batting collapse, Kusal Perera was the lone warrior for Sri Lanka. He brought up his fifty with a beautiful drive but was eventually dismissed by Lockie Ferguson. The middle-order couldn't stitch a partnership, and Sri Lanka posted a modest 171.
Trent Boult was the standout bowler for New Zealand, finishing with figures of 3-37 in his 10 overs. His disciplined bowling kept Sri Lanka in check and played a crucial role in their victory.