Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam were heavily criticized after the 1st T20 against South Africa. The older players of the team were singled out by Pakistani batsman Ahmed Shahzad for their subpar performance, which resulted in an 11-run loss to South Africa in the opening Twenty20 International on Tuesday, December 10. The Men in Green are currently behind 0-1 in the three-match competition after failing to meet the predetermined 184-run mark.
Midway through the powerplay, Pakistan had reduced the hosts to 28/3, showcasing their outstanding start to the match. They recovered with a rush of wickets after letting the game slide in the middle overs. With the dangerous David Miller back in the pavilion, the game was tied at 134/6. The Proteas gained momentum in the last overs with to a late appearance by the returning George Linde.
Babar Azam was removed for a four-ball duck during the run chase, and skipper Mohammad Rizwan’s strategy of going against the growing needed run rate was also dubious. At one time, the opening batsman was batting on 36 runs off 44 deliveries, and it took 50 deliveries for him to complete his half-century. Even though he changed tactics in the closing stages to finish with 74 runs off 62 balls, the damage had already been done.
Mohammad Rizwan & Co. Blamed For Not Learning From Mistakes
Ahmed Shehzad blamed the team for not learning from their previous mistakes, and highlighted the lack of intent during the run chase.
“Close but not good enough. 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,” Shahzad wrote on X after Pakistan’s loss.
“Too many dot balls & 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 & Abrar were the positives,” he added.
Shahzad has not held back from voicing his opinions and has previously been outspoken about Pakistan’s failings. He criticized Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan for their antiquated methods and recent shortcomings.
Despite an unsettling first-round loss in the 2024 T20 World Cup, Pakistan’s dismal performance in the shortest format has not improved. After replacing Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan’s first task in the format was to lead the Men in Green to a 0–3 loss in the three-match series against Australia.
Although Pakistan’s second-string side recorded a series win against Zimbabwe, they lost the final T20I.
“Lots of positives, if you take Miller’s and Linde’s innings made the difference for us. Miller took the attack to us, we took early wickets but we lost the momentum from Miller’s onslaught. South Africa bowled very well, spinners bowled very well, credit to them as they used the conditions better. Big positive, Shaheen bowled well. We fought well, hopefully we bounce back,” Mohammad Rizwan said during the post-match presentation.
The second T20I between Pakistan and South Africa is scheduled to take place on Friday, December 13, at the SuperSport Park in Centurion. Mohammad Rizwan and Company will look to bounce back.
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