The Proteas suffered a huge blow when they lost the match 13-runs to the Netherlands on Sunday at the T20 World Cup. After South Africa’s terrible run, Pakistan outplayed Bangladesh to grab a semi-final spot along with India from Group 2.
Just ahead of the Pakistan-Bangladesh game, former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar posted a video where he said that the South African team proved that they are chokers.
"I have just woken up. Thank you, South Africa. Aap bahut bade chokers hai (you are very big chokers). You have given Pakistan a big chance, big thanks to you. I didn't think that Pakistan deserved to go through to the semi-finals after losing to Zimbabwe, but Pakistan have been given a lifeline. We need to see India once all over again," Akhtar said in the video.
"Thank you, South Africa. You've lived up to the 'c' word. Worked in our benefit. Pakistan, now stay tight. Go on & win this," wrote Akhtar as the caption.
Post the match, South African head coach Mark Boucher said in a post-match press conference, "When we woke up. I think if you look at the way that we started the game, our energies were low. Whether that's because it's a half-past-10 game, times have been quite difficult, I don't know, I haven't really put my finger on it. Haven't had a chance to speak to the guys yet and find out where they sort of feel it went wrong”.