Head coach Azhar Mahmood expressed his dissatisfaction following Pakistan’s eight-wicket loss to South Africa at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, resulting in a tied series at 1-1. Mahmood emphasized Pakistan’s ongoing batting failures, underscoring the need for players to shoulder more responsibility.
Pakistan struggled in both innings, being all out for 333 in the first innings and collapsing for 138 in the second innings. Mahmood lamented the missed opportunity, stating that a higher first-innings total, around 425, could have changed the match’s outcome significantly.
“The collapse in the first innings set the tone. Losing five wickets for 17 runs was crucial. We had the chance to reach 400-425 with Agha and Rizwan’s partnership, but we couldn’t capitalize on it,” Mahmood remarked during the post-match press conference.
Mahmood also highlighted the recurring issue of lower-order wickets falling cheaply in the last two Tests, urging for accountability and stressing the importance of contributions from the lower order when the top players perform well.
In the match, Pakistan had a strong position with South Africa trailing by 98 runs and only two wickets left in the first innings. However, Senuran Muthusamy, Marco Jansen, and Kagiso Rabada orchestrated crucial partnerships, frustrating the Pakistani bowlers.
Muthusamy played a pivotal role, scoring an unbeaten 89 off 155 balls and forming partnerships with Keshav Maharaj and Rabada, who contributed significantly to South Africa’s first-innings total. With these partnerships, South Africa added 71 runs and maintained their momentum throughout the innings.
Following the defeat in the Rawalpindi Test, Pakistan will look to bounce back in the upcoming T20I series commencing on Tuesday, October 28, in Rawalpindi.