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In a defining encounter at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Friday, England secured a notable 93-run victory over Pakistan in Match 44 of the ODI World Cup 2023 on Saturday.
The Jos Buttler-led side’s exceptional performance guaranteed their spot in the forthcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and dealt a final blow to the Green team’s semifinal aspirations in the ongoing cricketing carnival.
England’s dominant cricketing display
After winning the toss, the English side set a formidable target after a strong start from their openers, Dawid Malan (31) and Jonny Bairstow (59). The team showcased a collective batting effort with notable contributions from Joe Root (60), Ben Stokes (84) and some short cameos by Harry Brook (30) and David Willey (15), reaching a whopping total of 337/9 in 𓄧50 overs.
In pursuit of 338, Pakistan struggled to establish substantial partnerships despite promising starts from skipper Babar Azam (38), Mohammad Rizwan (36), Saud Shakeel (29) and Agha Salman (51), who showed resilience with a top score. The lower order contributed well, notably Shaheen Afridi (25), Mohammad Wasim Jr (16) and Haris Rauf (35). However, the three lions’ bowling ultimately contained Pakistan at 244 in 43.3 overs, sealing a convincing victory and marking the end of Pakistan’s journey in the tournament.
ODI World Cup 2023: Shoaib Malik makes scathing remarks on Pakistan’s🧔 performance and leadership of Babar Aza♊m
Mohammad Rizwan’s comical dismissal
The peculiar moment unfolded on the third ball of the 23rd over when english spinner Moeen Ali delivered a masterful tossed-up delivery. Rizwan’s attempt to tackle the ball by moving down the track resulted in an unexpected twist. Despite his effort, the ball eluded his bat entirely, swerving past it to shatter the middle stump in a spectacular display. The right-handed batter’s maneuvre stunned the audience as Rizwan, grappling with the discomfort of a sudden leg cramp, stumbled to the pitch, adding an unexpected touch to the already gripping turn of events.
Here is the video:
Here’s how fans reacted:
Morning all .. Check th𝓰is guy playing the Rizwan꧃ .. Study where the ball is .. x
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan)
Rizwan Academy of Actinꦉg can give tough competition to all academies here
— Dinda Academy (@academy_dinda)
Better actor than nepo kids like Arjun Kapoor and A💛nanya ♌Pandey
— Udit (@udit_buch)
Maxwell vs Rizwan
— Pakchikpak Raja Babu (@HaramiParindey)
Every masterpiece has it's cheap copy
Rizwan 🤣🤣
— Raja Babu (@GaurangBhardwa1)
Just Mohammed Rizwan things.
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra)
Pakistan will be raking atleast one award home
— Sajcasm (@sajcasm_)
This joker faked cramp against S😼ri Lanka and today he got real 𓂃one after getting bowled, Karma is real 😅
— Shubman Gang (@ShubmanGang)
Great acting by
Oscar award winner….
— 101™ REPORTS (@viratkohali1231)
Rizwan:
Cricket ❎
Acting ✅— Jeet अभी (@humanvirtuous)
Wo karay to fighter, hum karay to drama!! Wahhhhﷺh𓆉 👏
— Ihtisham Ul Haq (@iihtishamm)
