Pakistan Survives Ireland Scare, Exits T20 World Cup Amid Meme Fest

The T20 World Cup 2024 witnessed a meme fest after Pakistan narrowly escaped a defeat against Ireland in their last match in Florida on Sunday, June 16. Chasing a modest target of 107, Pakistan found themselves struggling at 62 for six in their final Group A fixture before heading back home.

Pakistan failed to advance to the Super 8 round of the T20 World Cup 2024, with India and the USA qualifying from Group A. The Men in Green lost to the USA and faltered against India in the final stages of their match on June 9.

Opting to bowl first in their last match of the ninth edition of the T20 World Cup, Pakistan restricted Ireland to 106 for nine in 20 overs. Ireland was reeling at 32 for six in 6.3 overs before a 44-run partnership between Gareth Delany (31) and Mark Adair (15) steadied the innings.

Pakistan had Ireland at 80 for nine in 14 overs, but the last pair of Benjamin Whites and Joshua Little played out the remaining six overs. Shaheen Afridi took two wickets in the first over and finished with figures of three for 22. Mohammad Amir picked up two wickets, while Imad Wasim also claimed three wickets for eight runs in four overs.

In reply, Pakistan openers Saim Ayub (17) and Mohammad Rizwan (17) put on a 23-run partnership for the first wicket. However, they lost momentum once Rizwan, Ayub, and Fakhar Zaman (5) were dismissed. From 52 for three in 8.1 overs, Pakistan was reduced to 62 for six.

Babar Azam (32*) held firm at one end and partnered with Abbas Afridi (17 off 21) for a crucial 33-run stand off 40 balls. Later, Shaheen Afridi (13*) hit two sixes in the 19th over, securing victory with three wickets and seven balls remaining.

Social Media Reactions

Following another close match, fans took to social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) to troll the Pakistan cricket team. A fan humorously noted that the team was returning home just in time for Bakrid. Eid al-Adha will be celebrated globally from the evening of June 16 to June 17, depending on moon sightings.

The fans showcased their creativity by posting memes on X to express their views and critique the Babar Azam-led team. Here is one such example:

America sy log apno m eid mnany pakistan arhy Hain: with reporter Chand Nawab#ICCCricketWorldCup #T20WorldCup2024 #PakistanCricket #PAKvIRE pic.twitter.com/0dRoKzjQK8

Rana Ali Raza???????????????? (@rana_ali_raza_) June 16, 2024

The memes reflect fans' disappointment and humour as they reacted to Pakistan's performance in the tournament.