Zimbabwe’s T20 win against Pakistan proves one thing — the curse of the Bean is real

Pakistan lost to Zimbabwe in their T20 World Cup match on Thursday by a single run — and might we say that the activation of the curse of Pak Bean was at play?

What was considered to be an otherwise easy win, especially compared to the blood rush of a match with India on Sunday, turned into another loss. Zimbabweans had warned us of the longstanding grudge that was ready to latch onto our cricketers on field and they were not joking. We sent them Pak Bean (Asif Mohammad, a Mr Bean look-alike) instead of Rowan Atkinson (the actual Mr Bean) one distant night six years ago. But they take their Beans very seriously.

President of Zimbabwe Emmerson Mnangagwa joined in on the fun, asking for the real Mr Bean next time. “What a win for Zimbabwe! Congratulations to the Chevrons. Next time, send the real Mr Bean,” he tweeted.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif shot back in good humour: “We may not have the real Mr Bean, but we have real cricketing spirit.. And we Pakistanis have a funny habit of bouncing back. Mr President: Congratulations. Your team played really well today.”

It was the curse of a Bean, Malala.

Especially if they’re your opponents in a sporting competition.

On a side note.

We know why we lost.

We hope the curse has been lifted now.

Congratulations to Zimbabwe on the win! We hope the real Mr Bean finds his way to you.