Pakistan vs South Africa: Ahmad Shahzad Criticizes Pakistani Senior Cricketers’ Lack of Intent After T20I Loss to South Africa
Pakistan suffered an 11-run loss against South Africa in the first T20I in Durban despite strong performances from Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Shah Afridi. South Africa’s David Miller and George Linde powered their side to 183/9, which Pakistan failed to chase. Ahmad Shahzad criticized the team's approach and senior players' lack of accountability.
Pakistan men’s cricket team began their three-match T20I series against South Africa with a disappointing 11-run defeat in Durban. The Proteas, opting to bat, were initially reeling at 71/4. However, a game-changing knock of 82 off 40 balls by David Miller, supported by George Linde’s quickfire 48, propelled South Africa to an imposing total of 183/9. Pakistan’s bowling attack, led by Shaheen Shah Afridi (3/22), showed discipline early on but faltered during the death overs.
In response, Pakistan’s chase was led by captain Mohammad Rizwan, who scored 74. The team stayed competitive until the final over but managed only 172/8. Rizwan’s dismissal early in the last over sealed the victory for South Africa. Former skipper Babar Azam’s dismal form continued as he was dismissed for a duck, adding to Pakistan’s woes.
Close but not good enough👎
— Ahmad Shahzad 🇵🇰 (@iamAhmadshahzad) December 10, 2024
Pakistan cricket team not learning from thre past mistakes.
Firstly letting South Africa to 180+from where they were in the game was unbelievable & then how we went to chase about this target was bizarre from beginning.
Too many dot balls & lack of…
Veteran cricketer Ahmad Shahzad voiced his frustration over the loss. He criticized the team for their inability to capitalize on early breakthroughs and slammed their lack of intent during the chase. He remarked:
Close but not good enough Pakistan cricket team not learning from their past mistakes. Firstly letting South Africa go 180+ from where they were in the game was unbelievable & then how we went to chase about this target was bizarre from the beginning. Too many dot balls and lack of intent in the chase cost us what could have been a victory for Pakistan. Seniors should be leading from the front not hiding behind youngsters. Saim, Shaheen, and Abrar were the positives.
Pakistan will aim to regroup and level the series against a confident South African side riding high on Miller’s match-winning heroics.
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