Pakistan were at the receiving end of an umpire's call in the last stage of the South Africa game.
With his loss, Pakistan’s future in the World Cup 2023 looks uncertain. While the Men in Green still have a mathematical chance to make it to the semi-finals, their qualification will depend on the results of other teams.
Speaking after the game, Pakistan skipper Babar Azam expressed his disappointment while also admitting that they were 10-15 runs short with the bat.
Opting to bat first, the 1992 champions were bowled out for 270 in 46.4 overs, which was chased down by the Proteas with 16 deliveries to spare.
“We are very close, we did not finish well. Very disappointing for the whole team. We fought back very well. In the batting we were 10-15 short. The fast bowlers and spinners fought well but unfortunately it was not to be,” Babar said at the post-match presentation ceremony.
The nail-biting encounter ended on a controversial note as Proteas No. 11 Tabraiz Shamsi survived a close LBW call thanks to the umpire’s call.
With Pakistan needing one wicket to win, Haris Rauf hit Shamsi’s pads and appealed for LBW. While it looked very close at first glance, the on-field umpire declared it not out.
Pakistan team wasn’t satisfied with the call and opted for DRS. Since the on-field umpire had given it not out, the review couldn’t overturn the decision even though the ball was just kissing the leg-stump.
It was a tough decision for Pakistan but Babar Azam said DRS is part of the game and they have to accept the umpire’s call.
“It is part of the game, in DRS it is part of the game. Had he given it out, it would have favored us,” the captain stated.
“We have an opportunity to win this and stay in the race but not to be. We will try our best in the next 3 matches and put our efforts and play for Pakistan. Let's see where we will stand after that,” he concluded.
Pakistan’s next World Cup 2023 match is scheduled against Bangladesh at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Tuesday (October 31).