In the 46th over, it seemed like the game was all but decided when a Haris Rauf delivery, pitched wide off the crease, struck Tabraiz Shamsion the leg pads.Pakistan decided to challenge the on-field umpire’s not-out decision with a DRS call.
The ball-tracking technology indicated that the ball would have grazed the leg stump, but to Pakistan’s dismay, Shamsi survived the DRS appeal due to the “Umpire’s call” rule. This turn of events left the entire Pakistan team crestfallen.
“It’s part of the game. This is umpire’s call so I think it’s just part of the game. Had he given it out, it would have favoured us,” Babar said during the post-match presentation when asked about the DRS call.
With Pakistan almost out of the tournament, Babar seemed drained with the opportunity lost.
“I think it’s disappointing everyone, we had the opportunity to win this match and stay in the tournament but we missed it. We will try our best in our next three matches and put our effort so let’s see where we stand after the three matches.”
ICC World Cup 2023: South Africa clinches thrilling win over Pakistan by 1 wicket in a dramatic turn
Babar blamed his batters for falling 20 runs short what could have been a winning score on the Chepauk track.
“Very disappointing, we fought back well but we were 10-15 runs short. I think the way fast bowlers bowled, they did well but unfortunately the result was not in our side.”
South Africa captain Temba Bavuma didn’t mince words while pointing out that they need to address the issue of losing close games and was glad that they could win a tight contest.
“Pressure with us chasing, we haven’t done well to rectify that. It will be easier to have those conversations especially after the win. You need to have the guys in the best situations and truly speak out as to what they were thinking.
“Hard to say now but those conversations will happen. It is something we have spoken and something which has been thrown about.
“We have a blueprint when we bat first, we can’t say with conviction we have that when we are cashing. We want to be a lot more clinical with the bat.”
Giving an update on their premier bowler Kagiso Rabada, Bavuma said: “KG (Rabada) is good. It was more precautionary. He is experiencing lower back issues and a couple of days rest before New Zealand and he will be in contention.”
He also praised Tabraiz Shamsi, who was adjudged the Player of the Match award for his four wicket haul.
“Ecstatic for Shamsi. Started with the ball, came in when conditions were helpful and then with the bat.
“We have seen Shamsi gloating on social media about his batting. It won’t stop for the next two weeks but it’s nice for a senior guy like Shamsi to come out with the bat like that.”
(With PTI Inputs)
