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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 50 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 Azam
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 this guy playing the Rizwan .. Study where the ball is .. #HappyDiwali x #Mumbai pic.twitter.com/mVXUYy2ie3
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) November 12, 2023
Rizwan Academy of Acting can give tough competition to all academies here pic.twitter.com/b3avF78mVy
— Dinda Academy (@academy_dinda) November 11, 2023
Better actor than nepo kids like Arjun Kapoor and Ananya Pandey
— Udit (@udit_buch) November 12, 2023
Maxwell vs Rizwan pic.twitter.com/64jFh9Ozxt
— Pakchikpak Raja Babu (@HaramiParindey) November 11, 2023
Every masterpiece has it's cheap copy
Rizwan 🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/HIbn7vnwlT
— Raja Babu (@GaurangBhardwa1) November 11, 2023
Just Mohammed Rizwan things. pic.twitter.com/OLtesOKxi1
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) November 11, 2023
Pakistan will be raking atleast one award home pic.twitter.com/YxQu7MhzES
— Sajcasm (@sajcasm_) November 11, 2023
This joker faked cramp against Sri Lanka and today he got real one after getting bowled, Karma is real 😅
— Shubman Gang (@ShubmanGang) November 11, 2023
Great acting by #rizwan
Oscar award winner…. #ByeByePakistan#PAKvsENG #BabarAzam pic.twitter.com/s90WcZfd6C
— 101™ REPORTS (@viratkohali1231) November 12, 2023
Rizwan:
Cricket ❎
Acting ✅— Jeet अभी (@humanvirtuous) November 12, 2023
Wo karay to fighter, hum karay to drama!! Wahhhhh 👏 pic.twitter.com/WhQACz9zPl
— Ihtisham Ul Haq (@iihtishamm) November 12, 2023
