ISLAMABAD: Pakistani social media users rejoiced on Tuesday as India bagged an incredible three-wicket win in the fourth test decider against Australia.
India’s Rishabh Pant timed his innings to perfection, ramping up the aggression in a stellar 89 as India stormed to a record 328-run chase at the Gabba and became the first team to beat the hosts at the Brisbane stronghold since the West Indies in 1988.
Pakistan and India are political archrivals and fierce opponents in the cricket field. But Tuesday’s win was unequivocally cheered by Pakistani cricket fans on Twitter, who called it one of “the greatest test series and test match wins of all time.”
“From 36 all out in the same series to winning it on Australia soil. Wow,” former cricketer and fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar wrote.
From 36 all out in the same series to winning it on Australia soil. Wow. #IndiavsAustralia #BorderGavaskarTrophy https://t.co/V96MdnHCAC
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) January 19, 2021
“Investing in your players, giving them financial security, protecting them, giving them exposure, having A team tours is eventually bound to pay off. Well done India,” said cricket manager Rehan ulHaq.
Investing in your players, giving them financial security, protecting them, giving them exposure, having A team tours is eventually bound to pay off. Well done India.
— Rehan Ulhaq (@Rehan_ulhaq) January 19, 2021
“India basically pulled off one of the greatest test series and test match wins of all time,” said Uzair Younus, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council. “To win Down Under [Australia] is an achievement on its own. But to do it when several first-team players are out injured is a whole new level of achievement. Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant.”
India basically pulled off one of the greatest test series and test match wins of all time.
To win Down Under is an achievement on its own. But to do it when several first-team players are out injured is a whole new level of achievement.
Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant.
— Uzair Younus عُزیر یُونس (@UzairYounus) January 19, 2021
“Given results, their injuries, and lack thereof of the home side, this Indian team is probably the greatest from South Asia to tour Australia,” said Umair Javed, an assistant professor at LUMS, Pakistan’s most prestigious private university.
Given results, their injuries, and lack thereof of the home side, this Indian team is probably the greatest from South Asia to tour Australia.
— Umair Javed (@umairjav) January 19, 2021
“Cricket is the winner (and Australia the loser),” Javed said in another tweet.
Cricket is the winner (and Australia the loser)
— Umair Javed (@umairjav) January 19, 2021
“What a fight back by Indian cricket team in the series, they’ve played quality cricket. From 36-all out in first test to 2-1 up. Commendable. Love and respect from Pakistan,” Twitter user Taliha said, posting one of thousands of tweets praising the Indian team’s performance.
“Tremendous cricket by Indians,” Haider Rasool wrote. “Love from Pakistan.”
One Indian Twitter user posted: “Thank you Pakistan. Today’s win is ever more special because of support from neighbor.”
The strongest testament to India's cricket today is the Pakistan fans reaction.
— Musad Afzal (@MusadAfzal) January 19, 2021
Strained relations between the two nations, who were one country before the partition of British India split them into India and Pakistan in 1947, and a decades-long dispute over the Himalayan valley of Kashmir conflict, has laid the foundations of one of the most intense sports rivalries in the world.
Pakistan and Indian have not played a bilateral Test series since 2008 when already brittle ties were shattered by the Mumbai terror attacks.
