WATCH: Babar Azam stops Mohammad Rizwan from wicket celebration after Pakistan's semi-final qualification collapses

Pakistan's semi-final qualification for the 2023 ODI World Cup was practically over after England opted to bat first in their final league match. The Men in Green had a glimmer of hope for a miraculous win if they had batted first. However, Jos Buttler won the toss and decided to dash their hopes by sending them to bowl first. 

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The 1992 champions then had some unthinkable scenarios to march into the semi-finals. The openers gave England a good start with a partnership of 82 runs. Pakistan had to bowl England out for a paltry total and chase down the target in a very few deliveries. However, Bairstow and Malan showed their intent right from the start and it was carried forward by Joe Root and Ben Stokes.

The two stitched a 100-plus partnership for the third wicket. Both notched up their respective half-centuries before Shaheen Afridi removed them in successive overs. However, by then, Pakistan's chances of qualifying had crumbled. Meanwhile, a video of captain Babar Azam stopping Mohammad Rizwan from celebrating a wicket has gone viral on social media.

Rizwan was about to enjoy the moment with Afridi, but the skipper got in the way and hit the former's hand in anger. The reason is unclear, but Babar is believed to be in no mood to celebrate after Pakistan's semi-final qualification collapse. 

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Watch the video below: 

babar saying "ziyada khush hone ki zarurat nahi hai" 😭😭😭😭pic.twitter.com/WXosCaI8ho

— عثمان (@usmssss) November 11, 2023

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Will take positives and discuss our mistakes: Babar Azam 

On the back of half-centuries from Bairstow, Root and Stokes, England posted a competitive total of 337 at Eden Gardens' slow wicket. In reply, Pakistan got off to a poor start losing both their openers cheaply early in the innings. Agha Salman's half-century and some contributions from their middle order and tailenders took their team to 244. However, England won by 93 runs and registered their third win of the tournament. 

"Yes, very disappointed with the performance. If we had won SA match, could've been a different story. But yes, have made mistakes in bowling, batting and fielding. We gave 20-30 runs extra. Bowled few loose deliveries. Our spinners haven't taken wickets. That's had a big effect. If spinners don't take wickets in middle over, you struggle. We have to sit together. Let's see. Will take positives and discuss our mistakes also," Babar said after the match.