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Keep your head held high: Celebrities praise Pakistani team following T20 loss against Aussies

After giving cricket lovers in Pakistan immense joy with their consecutive T20 wins, the Men in Green exited the tournament after a loss in the semi-final against old foes Australia. However, the results of the match were met with an outpour of love and support from Pakistani Twitter, with the general public as well as celebrities taking to the site to ask the team to keep their chins up and take pride in their stellar performance so far. 

Australia dashed Pakistan’s hopes of making it to the Twenty20 World Cup final as Matthew Wade and Marcus Stoinis stood unbeaten in a six-hitting feast to lead Aussies into the Twenty20 World Cup final.

Chasing 177 for victory, Australia were in trouble at 96-5 when Stoinis (40) and Wade, who hit the winning six in his 41, put on 81 runs to finish off the match with one over to spare in Dubai.

Hardcore cricket fans, as well as those belonging to a more seasonal variety, rushed to console the team after the outcome of the high stakes match. Actor Osman Khalid Butt tweeted, “Of course, this loss hurts, especially since we were so close to victory. But, honestly, what a thrill to watch a Pakistan squad with incredible synergy, camaraderie, skill and grit.” He added, “Watching this XI has been like falling in love with cricket again.” 

After the tide seemed to turn in the favour of Australia in the final overs, Ushna Shah wrote to cricket fans, requesting them to accept the outcome with grace. She tweeted, “Dear qaum, [the] match doesn’t look good. In case it doesn’t happen for us, please be nice to the boys and welcome them with love. They gave this nation so much happiness this series.”  

She added, requesting empathy from cricket fans after Hassan Ali dropped a crucial catch, “Please remember that Hassan Ali, a human,  dropped a difficult catch during a difficult moment. No Pakistani is feeling as bad as he is. The team got as far as they did due to camaraderie and support, let’s follow their example and be kind to them all, including and especially him.” 

Kubra Khan took to Twitter to share her thoughts on the match as well, writing, “Sitting here with a plopped face because I’m sad. But, I just want to say, I am so so so proud of our team and how beautifully they played the entire tournament. They are winners for me regardless.” 

Asking the boys to not let the loss dampen their mood too much, actor Fahad Mustafa tweeted, “Hold you heads up, boys. The nation is proud of you. Each one of you played like a champion.” 

Following the loss, singer Uzair Jaswal wrote, “What an emotional night. But, well played, Pakistan. Had a great tournament and we’re all really proud of you. Love you! Pakistan zindabad.”  

Adnan Siddiqui tweeted out in favour of the Green Shirts as well, saying, “Not easy to take [the] bull by its horns. Our boys kept their nerves intact in [the] high-pressure match against the famous ‘invincibles’. If not T20, you guys have won our hearts!” 

Actor Adnan Malik echoed the sentiment, writing, “Great campaign by team Pakistan! We played with so much heart, completely exceeded all expectations and were consistent. Great brand of cricket and great energy. Proud of the team. Could have been different had we won the toss, but that’s cricket. All bodes well for the future.” 

He wrote in a separate tweet, with reference to a viral picture in which Shoaib Malik can be seen consoling Hassan Ali after the drop, “‘I see you brother and I am here for you.’ This is the stuff true greatness is built of. So proud of the camaraderie and empathy in this team. Humanity is the essence of why we are here – to support, to love and to hold space. When the material disappears, there is only love.” 

Humayun Saeed took to Twitter to praise the team’s effort, writing, “Proud of team Pakistan for its fantastic performance throughout the tournament. Winning and losing are all part of the game; what matters is the dedication and passion with which the boys played. Well done to all and good luck for all future games!”

“Not a single ounce of regret. Proud of you boys. You played with your heart and soul and we love you no matter what,” wrote Ahmed Ali Butt in a supportive tweet. 

Zara Noor Abbas shared a similar message, tweeting, “Tonight, Pakistan has won for me. This has been a historical journey for the country. Proud of my team. Proud of my country.” 

Calling the team Pakistan’s “pride”, lawyer and activist Jibran Nasir tweeted, “Well played, Boys in Green. You are our pride and remain our pride. Australian held their nerves and it paid. It was a spectacular campaign by team Pakistan. Thank you for all the joys, excitement and memories this T20 World Cup.” 

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