Shadab Khan insists Pakistan can pull off 'miracle' and reach World Cup semi-finals

Struggling side face in-form South Africa in must-win game on Friday

Pakistan's Shadab Khan plays a shot during the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup match between Pakistan and Afghanistan in Chennai. AP

All-rounder Shadab Khan says misfiring Pakistan can still qualify for the World Cup semi-finals, insisting that "miracles happen" in cricket.

After starting strongly with wins over the Netherlands and Sri Lanka, the 1992 champions were soundly beaten by India and Australia before being humbled by neighbours Afghanistan.

They will likely now need to win all their remaining pool games, starting with a clash against big-hitting South Africa in Chennai on Friday.

"We have under-performed in all three departments – batting, bowling and fielding," admitted Shadab. "We have not played good cricket but have bounced back from such situations."

With four group games remaining, Pakistan can still make the semi-finals but there is no margin for error.

But on top of needing results - and fast - they'll also likely need to improve their poor net run rate, which could yet prove pivotal in deciding the final four.

"If you have belief, miracles happen," added Shadab, vice-captain to skipper Babar Azam. "We have not played like we were playing before the World Cup but from tomorrow we have to start a winning streak. When you are in a do-or-die position then I think the pressure is less because you have nothing to lose."

Pakistan have found themselves under heavy fire from a critical domestic media, scathing former players and a disgruntled fanbase following their shock eight-wicket loss to the Afghans.

The noise grew so loud, the Pakistan Cricket Board on Thursday released a statement asking for everyone to get behind the team, but offering no guarantees to skipper Azam and those in positions of power above him.

"The PCB acknowledges the emotions and sentiments of cricket fans following the three consecutive defeats faced by the national team in the ICC World Cup 2023," the statement read. "In this challenging environment, the board administration hopes that the cricketing fraternity and fans will continue to support captain Babar Azam and the entire Pakistan cricket team.

"Addressing the media scrutiny directed at captain Babar Azam and the team management, the board's stance, echoing that of former cricketers, is that successes and defeats are part of the game. Captain Babar Azam and Chief Selector Inzamam-ul-Haq were given freedom and support in forming the squad for the ICC World Cup 2023.

"Looking ahead, the board will make decisions in the best interest of Pakistan cricket based on the team's performances in the World Cup."

Shadab insists victory over the South Africans will change the conversation.

"I always tell the players that if you are going to a tournament like this, you have to cut off from the social media," said Shadab.

"If you perform then everyone says that 'he is doing so well', but when you are not performing then the same people will say 'he is not good enough'."

He added: "It's the mentality that when someone is not in the team, then they are the best and when someone is in the team they are the worst."

India v Pakistan player ratings

India ratings: Rohit Sharma - 10/10. A perfect day in the office for the captain. Made the right bowling changes to maintain pressure, did not let the game drift in the middle overs when Pakistan were on top. Batted Pakistan out of the match within first 15 overs. India’s best batsman at the World Cup. AP

Shubman Gill - 5.5. Was reliable in the field and looked sublime for the limited period he batted. His energy levels were up even though he had just recovered from dengue. Excellent demeanour on his comeback. EPA

Virat Kohli - 5.5. Must be disappointed at getting out when another big innings was there for the taking. It was a nothing shot against a non-threatening short ball from Hasan Ali. Reuters

Shreyas Iyer - 8. The innings will give him a lot of confidence, guiding the team past the finish line with an unbeaten fifty. Did look ungainly against short balls, but avoided getting out to it. Every team will bounce him for sure. EPA

KL Rahul - 7. Clinical behind the stumps, took a fine catch off Pandya and remained unbeaten in the chase. Looks unperturbed in any situation, which has its own value. AFP

Hardik Pandya - 8.5. Got opener Imam out with an effort ball outside off. He has been bending his back this World Cup and can be classified as India’s second best quick behind Jasprit Bumrah. Arguably the team's most valuable cricketer. Getty

Ravindra Jadeja - 8/10. The left-arm spinner has been a rockstar on dry pitches that have offered grip and quick turn. Kept the runs down and took two late wickets. Captain Sharma can now depend on him blindly while bowling first. AFP

Shardul Thakur - 3. Not a lot to do. Bowled two overs and watched the game with the best view in the stadium. EPA

Kuldeep Yadav - 8.5. Ended the contest with two wickets in one over – trapped Saud Shakeel lbw with a slider and bowled Iftikhar Ahmed with a googly. Provides India invaluable wicket-taking options in the middle overs. Reuters

Jasprit Bumrah - 10. Was world-class on the flat deck in Delhi. Was equally sensational on an unresponsive pitch in Ahmedabad. Deceived a well set Rizwan with a slower one and bowled Shadab with a classic leg cutter. He is miles ahead of the competition. EPA

Mohammad Siraj - 7.5. Expensive outing for Siraj. But he did get the first wicket and also bowled the ball of the match – breaching the late cut of Babar Azam with an in cutter. Captain will be happy if he keeps producing such magic balls. EPA

Pakistan ratings: Abdullah Shafique - 5. Looked decent up front. Fell lbw to an effort ball from Siraj. Pakistan will take that, since he looks calm when at the crease. AFP

Imam-ul-Haq - 5. The left-hander looked like he intended to dominate the bowling. But after negotiating the opening quicks, edged Pandya behind. Could have done so much more after all the hard work. Reuters

Babar Azam - 7. The captain soaked up all the pressure from a partisan crowd. A hundred was there for the taking, but decided to late cut a Siraj in cutter. Pakistan lost the plot from there. EPA

Mohammad Rizwan - 7. Another enterprising innings from the wicketkeeper. Would definitely have kicked on, had batsmen from the other end not collapsed in a heap. Was deceived by a masterful slower one from Bumrah. Reuters

Saud Shakeel - 3. Made the cardinal sin of playing Kuldeep off the back foot and deep in the crease. Did not look comfortable at all. AFP

Iftikhar Ahmed - 3. Should have played Kuldeep out as he had just picked up a wicket. Played on against a googly that took his glove. AFP

Shadab Khan - 2. Ineffective with the bat and totally off colour with the ball. Does not seem to be putting his full body behind the ball, which makes his leg spin cannon fodder for batsmen. AP

Mohammad Nawaz - 6. Tried his best and batsmen did treat him with some respect. Should do well whenever Pakistan bowl first. Getty

Hasan Ali - 6. An honest effort with the ball, got Kohli’s wicket off a short ball, which takes some doing. Gave less than six runs an over, when India chased down 191 inside 31 overs. AP

Shaheen Afridi - 6. Got both openers and bent his back, as much as he could. Looks well short of his best, with his pace down as well. Not good signs as Haris Rauf is leaking runs. AFP

Haris Rauf - 3. Expensive outing for the right arm quick. In the absence of Naseem Shah, a lot of burden rests on his shoulders. But he has been a disappointment. Neither control, nor wickets. AP