In the ongoing T20 World Cup on October 27, Zimbabwe narrowly defeated Pakistan. At Perth Stadium, Zimbabwe managed to defeat the 2009 champions by one run while defending a subpar total of 130 for 8 against a potent Pakistani batting lineup. Even before the south-east African registered a stunning victory, the Pakistan-Zimbabwe match became a hot topic on Twitter. Why?
Rowan Atkinson, a British actor, is known for playing the role of Mr. Bean in many films. Even Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa made fun of Pakistan by requesting that the nation send the real “Mr. Bean” the next time. Virender Sehwag, former Indian opener, responded to Mnangagwa’s tweet by saying that Mr. President had struck a nerve.
Then what is Pak Bean and why is it trending across social media?
When Pakistan Cricket’s official account posted pictures of their practice sessions on the eve of the game, a purportedly Zimbabwean account, Ngugi Chasura, responded, “As Zimbabweans we wont forgive you…you once gave us that Fraud Pak Bean instead of Mr Bean Rowan ..we will settle the matter tommorow just pray the rains will save you…”
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He explained to a Pakistani fan that “they gave us Pak Bean instead of Mr Bean in one of our local events called Agricultural show.” He also tweeted a picture of the Pakistani impersonator at an event, saying, “This is … Pak Bean who imitates Mr Bean stealing people’s money.”
The term “Pakistani Mr. Bean,” according to media reports, referred to Pakistani comedian Asif Mohammad, who gave a performance at the Harare International Conference Center in 2016. The show, which allegedly cost Zimbabweans $10 each, was a total failure. The audience members called the show a fraud and were furious that they had “lost” their money there. Now that many Zimbabweans were reminded of the incident and sought “revenge,” Twitter erupted with a variety of hilarious memes about it as soon as Zimbabwe recorded its thrilling 1-run victory over Pakistan on October 27.
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Sikandar Raza, who was born in Pakistan, shone for Zimbabwe with a stunning 3-wicket haul as the Babar Azam-led team fell to Craig Irvine’s team in a Super 12 match in Perth, shockingly losing by one run.