It was a day that saw both the emotions associated with the game come to the fore at the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup. While for some it was the ecstasy of seeing their side England, and in all possibilities, New Zealand, seal their place in the semifinals, for others — Pakistani fans in particular — it was the agony of encountering that fateful moment when their team would bow out of the competition.
England’s commanding 119-run win over the Kiwis saw them not only secure their place in the final four of the competition but also just about helped New Zealand sneak ahead of Pakistan. Despite the loss, the Black Caps occupy the fourth position on the points table with 11 points to their name. And even if Pakistan manage a win against Bangladesh on Friday, the best they could do is match the Kiwis’ points tally but lose out on the Net Run Rate (NRR) count.
For Pakistan to nudge ahead of the Kiwis, they will have to overturn a massive deficit on the NRR front, a task that seems next to impossible.
For Pakistan to reach #CWC19 SF, in their final match...
— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) July 3, 2019
bat first
make 400, and dismiss opponent for 84 and win by 316 runs
or
make 350, dismiss opponent fo 38 and win by 312 runs
If Pakistan bat second, margins won't work #CWC2019#EngvNZ #NZvEng
For Pakistan to qualify:
— Deepu Narayanan (@deeputalks) July 3, 2019
Beat Bangladesh by 311 runs after scoring 350
Beat Bangladesh by 316 runs after scoring 400
Beat Bangladesh by 321 runs after scoring 450
Biggest ODI win by runs: 290 runs (There have been two bigger wins by runs in List A cricket)#CWC19 #WeHaveWeWill
Social media was abuzz after Wednesday’s game, and fans took to Twitter to carry on the banter against their Pakistani counterparts.
Virat ~ I don't think Pakistan will qualify for semis.
— Kajal 💞 (@lilyraiin_) July 3, 2019
Sarfaraz ~ #ENGvNZ #NZvENG pic.twitter.com/hOm97u0YGm
When you realise now you won't become PM of Pakistan in future as Imran Khan did. #ENGvNZ pic.twitter.com/RZzRJiYlyE
— R A T N I $ H (@LoyalSachinFan) July 3, 2019
Pakistan right now!!! #ENGvNZ pic.twitter.com/MnZarRt8dm
— Abhishek_🇮🇳🇮🇳 (@AMaxfacs) July 3, 2019
So even NZ trolled Pakistan😄#ENGvNZ pic.twitter.com/wLcItRHU4T
— Vshal (@ReelSloth) July 3, 2019
It was a journey full of surprises, fun and betrayals. See you after 4 years.
— abaid (@KhawajaAbaid) July 3, 2019
Sincerely,
Pakistan.#ENGvNZ pic.twitter.com/Uzn7T8MH82
A lot of 1992 parallels, but every World Cup seems to have its own story.
Feature image courtesy: AFP Photo/ Lindsey Parnaby
