T20 World Cup 2024

‘We can control the controllable’ – Shadab Khan hopeful of Pakistan’s qualification to semi-finals of 20-20 World Cup 2022

Pakistan put on a stellar performance against South Africa in their fourth match of the 20-20 World Cup 2022 on Thursday as they registered a 33-run victory. After opting to bat first, Pakistan put up 185/9 on the board with half-centuries from Iftikhar Ahmed and Shadab Khan. Shadab Khan was also awarded ‘Player of the Match’ for his blistering knock of 52 off 22 balls. After the game ended, the all-rounder called his innings to be his best in international career.

Shadab appeared in the post-match press conference and expressed his delight at the team’s victory. He also said that Pakistan is more concerned about controlling the controllable.

“Yeah definitely, I’ve done well in PSL with the bat in international yeah definitely this is my best innings. And more importantly, our team wins so that’s more important for me,” said Shadab to the reporters.

“Definitely, it’s coming from the team management and our captain said just express yourself and don’t worry about anybody or anything else’s. Because we can control the controllable things, so we just think about that,” the 24-year-old added.

Pakistan still in contention for a semi-final spot

Coming back to the match, after opting to bat first, Pakistan were in disarray at 95/5 in 13 overs. Shadab Khan walked in to bat and launched an onslaught on the South African bowlers. He was involved in an 82-run-stand with Iftikhar Ahmed. Shadab and Iftikhar propelled Pakistan’s score to 185/9 in 20 overs.

In reply to Pakistan’s total, South Africa lost Quinton De Kock and Rilee Rossouw early on in the innings. Captain Temba Bavuma tried to keep his side in the hunt but perished to Shadab Khan after scoring 36 off 19 balls. Shaheen Afridi picked up three wickets for 14 runs to break the back of South African batting.

Pakistan won the match by 33 runs, which brought them to third position in Group 2 with 4 points. To qualify for the semi-finals, Pakistan need to win their last fixture against Bangladesh and hope that either Netherlands beat South Africa or Zimbabwe beat India. If South Africa vs Netherlands match gets washed out, then also Pakistan have a great chance of qualifying.