‘King kar lega’ – Fans react as Pakistan need 338 runs in 6.2 overs against England to qualify for semifinal of ODI World Cup 2023

The match between England and Pakistan has not just been a race of runs, but also a race of time for Pakistan. The insane ability to think of the net run rate has allowed Pakistan to evaluate various ways of qualifying for the semifinal of the ODI World Cup 2023 by getting a better net run rate than New Zealand, after losing several matches in the mid stage of the group stage of the ongoing tournament.

The last group stage match of Pakistan saw them conceding 337 runs against England. The top and middle order batters of England stepped up when it mattered for England. The match was important for both the teams. While it was essential for Pakistan to qualify for the semifinal, it was more important for England, considering that the match had an impact on their present and future.

England had to avoid wooden spoon in the ongoing tournament. More than that, England had to win the match to ensure that they qualify for the Champions Trophy 2025, which is set to be played in Pakistan. Hence, it was evident that they were going to come hard against Pakistan. They did, and Pakistan was in trouble. England batted brilliantly well on a tricky wicket in Eden Gardens.

Ben Stokes shines with the bat 

After opting to bat, England posted 82 runs in 13.3 overs for the opening wicket. They lost both the openers soon. But they had done their job. Malan scored 31 runs in 39 balls, Bairstow scored 59 runs in 61 balls. What followed it was a 132-run stand for the third wicket between Joe Root and Ben Stokes. The partnership between the two batters took the game away from Pakistan completely.

Joe Root scored 60 runs in 72 balls, which included 4 fours. Stokes was the star of the show with the bat, as he scored 84 runs in 76 balls, which included 11 fours and 2 sixes. Jos Buttler and Harry Brook provided the finishing touches for England, as they scored 27(18) and 30(17) respectively. Their knocks helped England to post a mammoth total on the board.

Here’s how the fans reacted to the news –