Shadab Khan dedicates victory to 'fans who support the team through thick and thin'

Published June 24, 2019
Shadab Khan (L) celebrates with teammate Babar Azam after the dismissal of South Africa's Aiden Markram during the 2019 Cricket World Cup group stage match between Pakistan and South Africa at Lord's Cricket Ground  in London on Sunday. — AFP
Shadab Khan (L) celebrates with teammate Babar Azam after the dismissal of South Africa's Aiden Markram during the 2019 Cricket World Cup group stage match between Pakistan and South Africa at Lord's Cricket Ground in London on Sunday. — AFP

As Pakistan secured a crucial victory against South Africa exactly a week after their heavy defeat to India, all-rounder Shadab Khan dedicated the team's win to "the fans of Pakistan cricket who support the team through thick and thin".

"This victory is for the fans of Pakistan cricket who support the team through thick and thin," said Khan on Twitter late Sunday after Pakistan's 49-run victory. "We are working hard and trying to improve with every match."

"Keep backing your country," he asked fans, adding: "We all are playing for Pakistan."

Editorial: In abusing the team, some elements have gone well beyond constructive criticism

Shadab Khan — as well as Wahab Riaz — took three wickets as South Africa surrendered without a fight; he dismissed Quinton de Kock on 47 to ruin South Africa’s partnership of 87 with captain Faf du Plessis, then batsmen Aiden Markram in the 24th over and Rassie van der Dussen in the 40th over.

Chasing 309 to remain in the hunt for a last four berth, South Africa's survival bid petered out on 259-9.

Pakistan were playing for their World Cup survival and their army of fans turned Lord's into a vibrant mass of green.

Their second win of the tournament gives Sarfaraz Ahmed's side hope of making the semi-finals, with three matches remaining in the battle to finish in the top four in the 10-team group stage.

Opinion

Editorial

China security ties
Updated 14 Nov, 2024

China security ties

If China's security concerns aren't addressed satisfactorily, it may affect bilateral ties. CT cooperation should be pursued instead of having foreign forces here.
Steep price
14 Nov, 2024

Steep price

THE Hindu Kush-Himalayan region is in big trouble. A new study unveiled at the ongoing COP29 reveals that if high...
A high-cost plan
14 Nov, 2024

A high-cost plan

THE government has approved an expensive plan for FBR in the hope of tackling its deep-seated inefficiencies. The...
United stance
Updated 13 Nov, 2024

United stance

It would've been better if the OIC-Arab League summit had announced practical measures to punish Israel.
Unscheduled visit
13 Nov, 2024

Unscheduled visit

Unusual IMF visit shows the lender will closely watch implementation of programme goals to prevent it from derailing.
Bara’s businesswomen
13 Nov, 2024

Bara’s businesswomen

Bara’s brave women have proven that with the right support, societal barriers can be overcome.