Ah, sometimes match officials do induce subtle things to turn a big matter into failures. No matter how astonishing the performance and players playing their part all throughout the innings - contributions large or small, petty to epic and pivotal, these things fade behind one occurrence, just a slight favour to the opposition can take away the whole fate of the match to somewhere,that cant be imagined.
These phenomenons arent new in sport, perhaps it occurs in many of the contests and as I am mostly acquainted to the two of my favourite sporting format, cricket and soccer - referee pointing to a penalty or sending a player off unreasonably ; such things held the way to lose the event, fostering the flow of match momentum and eventually losing the competition.
Watching Pakistan Vs South Africa’s match got me to the level of frustration that I cant hide that easily. Not because I support the team or wish the team to win for being so, but its a matter of righteousness whether the decision made by the umpire reflected fair play or collaborated other team to secure a win. But winning this match was crucial for Pakistani players.
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Losing the match, Pakistan got their return ticket well advanced and they no longer have hopes to go to the semi-final. In one sense, it doesnt look even good to watch the world cup held in the Indian subcontinent without the participation of the native superpowers. Its not the fact that, they dont know how to play in such conditions, but that performance wasnt up to the mark,where it can be said that they performed in standard level.
But this fact also need to be acknowledged that they played well less than expectations or their natural capability to play. There were times when Pakistani bowling attack was the strongest, specially their pacers who could bring down even the mightiest team or batting order. But those golden days were gone and now we dont get to see the wild swings or playing against India with the power and terror.
Sorry to say now the heat doesnt soar up like before when India used to meet Pakistan in ever rivalry. That happened maybe due to weakening situation of the team eleven or they dont get mighty player from their cricketing pipeline. Most of the things can be done to repair such things, but its too late, because world cup arrives in every 4 years.
In today's match - I think, South Africa played really well despite losing wicket. Although the whole tournament, they have had a dream start and those runs scoring past 350+ and securing comprehensive win each time shows the team strength difference. Without ABD the might look new, but what they got as new "find" would always help them to get ahead extra miles than other teams.
Markram's half century I think set the tone to chase down 271, at one stage it looked like to me that they arent going to get there. But they did build a solid partnership in between those middle overs and preparing to secure a good win. But, Pakistani bowlers really choked them in the last phase, just very close to win but couldnt get there.
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The umpires decision spoiled the whole celebration and grip of winning. If the on field umpires decision would go to their favour,Pakistan would have been celebrating tonight. But anyway, good luck to them for the coming days and we might see the team play foe the next world cup.
Thanks for having time to read my match review.