Keshav Maharaj
South African cricketer Keshav Maharaj took to social media to share a heartfelt message following an exhilarating victory over Pakistan in the 2023 Cricket World Cup on Friday. Maharaj played a pivotal role in stitching together a crucial last-wicket partnership with Tabraiz Shamsi and ultimately hitting the winning runs against Mohammad Nawaz. The match had spectators on the edge of their seats as South Africa initially had a solid start but then lost wickets in quick succession. However, Maharaj displayed remarkable composure, ensuring victory.
On Instagram, he shared his elation, saying, “In God I Trust. What a special result by the boys! Awesome to see the performances from shamsi90 & aidenmarkram. Jai Shree Hanuman.”
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In a nail-biting encounter, South Africa managed to fend off a late charge from Pakistan, securing a one-wicket win and edging closer to the semi-finals of the 2023 Cricket World Cup.
Aiden Markram’s solid innings of 91 had put South Africa in a promising position at 206-4, well on course to chase down Pakistan’s 271-run target.
However, it came down to the last pair, Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi, to score 11 runs while facing 11 balls. Shamsi survived a close leg-before-wicket appeal, which went in their favor after being referred to the umpire’s decision, and eight runs were needed. Then, Maharaj struck a boundary to the square-leg off spinner Mohammad Nawaz, sealing the victory in the 47.2nd over. This dramatic win ignited jubilant celebrations in the South African team’s dressing room.
Shamsi, who finished on four runs, expressed his happiness, saying, “Really happy; you play enough cricket to know sometimes it goes for you, sometimes it doesn’t.”
Maharaj, with seven not out, also contributed 10 runs for the ninth wicket alongside Lungi Ngidi (four). However, Rauf, the fast bowler, took a stunning catch off his own bowling to dismiss Ngidi.
With this victory, South Africa climbed to the top of the points table with 10 points, having won five out of six matches. On the other hand, Pakistan faced their fourth consecutive loss after starting the tournament with back-to-back wins. They currently have four points and will need favorable results to secure a spot in the semi-finals.
