Batting let us down again on a green top wicket, says Shoaib Akhtar after Pakistan's loss in Centurion

Pakistan’s sojourn in South Africa began on a disappointing note as they failed to pounce on the opportunities and lost the first Test in Centurion by six wickets. It was a case of missed opportunities rather than being completely outplayed as the visitors could not make their chances count.

The batsmen failed miserably in both the innings and although the bowlers did extremely well, the South African batsmen managed to do just what was needed to take the lead in the three-match series. In the first innings, Pakistan were all out for just 181. Barring Babar Azam, who scored 71, and Azhar Ali (36) to some extent, none of the batsmen could spend time on the crease. In reply, South Africa also struggled with the bat and scored a modest 223.

But the Pakistani batsmen once again failed to do well with the bat and were all out for just 190.  The tourists had been on top when they went to tea on 100 for 1, thus taking their lead to 58. However, they lost their last nine wickets for just 90 runs. The floodgates opened when Imam-ul-Haq’s 57-run knock was ended by Duanne Olivier.

They kept on losing wickets at regular intervals and were bundled out for 190. Barring Imam and Shan Masood, who scored 65, no other Pakistan batsmen could cross the 12-run mark as South Africa needed to chase down 149 to take the lead.

The Pakistani bowlers started on the perfect note when Hasan Ali dismissed Aiden Markram for a duck. However, a 119-run stand between Dean Elgar and Hashim Amla all but sealed the visitors’ fate. South Africa eventually chased down the total with six wickets in hand.

Akhtar’s verdict

Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar, meanwhile, gave his opinion on the game. The tearaway pacer insisted that batting let Pakistan down as he asked the batsmen to apply themselves better in order to score big. He further praised the bowlers and asked the players to move on from the defeat.

“Batting let us down again on a green top wicket. Batsmen will have to show more composure and apply themselves better to achieve bigger totals. Great job by bowlers but batsmen failed to take advantage. Will have to leave this defeat behind and approach the 2nd Test. Good luck,” tweeted Akhtar.

Batting let us down again on a green top wicket. Batsmen will have to show more composure and apply themselves better to achieve bigger totals. Great job by bowlers but batsmen failed to take advantage. Will have to leave this defeat behind and approach the 2nd Test. Good luck.

— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) December 28, 2018

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