Pakistan’s T20I captain, Salman Ali Agha, reflected on his team’s performance following their 55-run defeat to South Africa in the first T20I at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
Speaking after the match, Agha admitted that Pakistan fell short in both departments, particularly during key phases of the game.
“We didn’t start well with the ball but we pulled things back,” he said.
Visit Times of Karachi website for the latest news-related content daily
“With the batting, we are losing wickets quickly and we need to have a quick turnaround,” he added.
He emphasized the need for better game awareness and building partnerships instead of relying only on an aggressive approach.
“We just need to bat properly, do singles and doubles and build partnerships. We are missing partnerships. If we have partnerships we can chase such totals,” he explained.
Agha also pointed out what the team could learn from South Africa’s disciplined bowling display.
READ: Clinical South Africa humble Pakistan to go 1–0 up in Rawalpindi
“We didn’t bowl well in the powerplay. Bowling top of off stump would’ve been good enough but the positive is how we pulled it back later,” he concluded.
South Africa produced a dominant all-round performance to take a 1–0 lead in the series.
Chasing 195, Pakistan were bowled out for 139 in 18.1 overs, with Corbin Bosch starring for the visitors, taking 4 for 14.
Saim Ayub (37) and Mohammad Nawaz (36) were the only notable contributors for the hosts.
Earlier, South Africa had posted 194 for 9, led by Reeza Hendricks’ 60 and George Linde’s 36.
Tony de Zorzi added 33 on debut, while Nawaz impressed with figures of 3 for 26 for Pakistan.
The second T20I will be played at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on October 31, where Pakistan will look to level the three-match series.
