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

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


  • English
  • Arabic

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

Remaining Fixtures

Wednesday: West Indies v Scotland
Thursday: UAE v Zimbabwe
Friday: Afghanistan v Ireland
Sunday: Final

Take Me Apart

Kelela

(Warp)

MATCH INFO

Manchester United 6 (McTominay 2', 3'; Fernandes 20', 70' pen; Lindelof 37'; James 65')

Leeds United 2 (Cooper 41'; Dallas 73')

Man of the match: Scott McTominay (Manchester United)

In numbers: China in Dubai

The number of Chinese people living in Dubai: An estimated 200,000

Number of Chinese people in International City: Almost 50,000

Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2018/19: 120,000

Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2010: 20,000

Percentage increase in visitors in eight years: 500 per cent

Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
The specs
  • Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
  • Power: 640hp
  • Torque: 760nm
  • On sale: 2026
  • Price: Not announced yet
The%20Roundup%20%3A%20No%20Way%20Out
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Lee%20Sang-yong%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Don%20Lee%2C%20Lee%20Jun-hyuk%2C%20Munetaka%20Aoki%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E3%2F5%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Ashes 2019 schedule

August 1-5: First Test, Edgbaston

August 14-18: Second Test, Lord's

August 22-26: Third Test, Headingley

September 4-8: Fourth Test, Old Trafford

September 12-16: Fifth Test, Oval

Specs
Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE)
Power: 218hp (Cooper and Aceman), 313hp (Countryman)
Torque: 330Nm (Cooper and Aceman), 494Nm (Countryman)
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh158,000 (Cooper), Dh168,000 (Aceman), Dh190,000 (Countryman)
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
  • Priority access to new homes from participating developers
  • Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
  • Flexible payment plans from developers
  • Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
  • DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Herc's Adventures

Developer: Big Ape Productions
Publisher: LucasArts
Console: PlayStation 1 & 5, Sega Saturn
Rating: 4/5

Brief scores:

Juventus 3

Dybala 6', Bonucci 17', Ronaldo 63'

Frosinone 0

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Specs

Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric

Range: Up to 610km

Power: 905hp

Torque: 985Nm

Price: From Dh439,000

Available: Now

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
MATCH INFO

UAE Division 1

Abu Dhabi Harlequins 12-24 Abu Dhabi Saracens

Updated: October 26, 2023, 2:38 PM`