Head coach Azhar Mahmood expressed his disappointment after Pakistan suffered an eight-wicket defeat to South Africa at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, leaving the series tied 1–1. Highlighting Pakistan’s recurring batting collapses, Mahmood emphasized that the players must take more responsibility.
In the first innings, Pakistan were bowled out for 333, losing their last five wickets for 17 runs. The collapse continued in the second innings as the hosts were dismissed for 138 in 49.3 overs. Mahmood noted that if Pakistan had posted around 425 in their first innings, the outcome of the match could have been very different.
“The first innings collapse was where it started. We were 5 for 17 down. We should have put 400-425 there, which was the position we put ourselves in. Agha and Rizwan were building a partnership that we couldn’t take advantage of,” Mahmmod said at the post-match press conference.
“It’s the fourth time in two Tests that we’ve lost wickets lower down the order cheaply. That’s not acceptable and we have to take responsibility. We talked about it in our two camps. Whenever your top players score 270-300, the contribution from the lower order really matters,” added Mahmood.
Rabada, Muthusamy to make Pakistan pay
Pakistan held the lead, trailing South Africa by 98 runs with just two wickets remaining in the first innings. However, Senuran Muthusamy, Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada turned the tide and frustrated the bowlers with a crucial partnership.
Muthusamy remained unbeaten on 89 off 155 balls, initially putting on a 71-run stand with Keshav Maharaj, who scored 30 off 53 deliveries. Rabada then joined Muthusamy and produced a spectacular 71-run knock off 61 balls with four fours and four sixes.
With contributions from Rabada, Muthusamy and Jansen, the Proteas added 71 runs in the first innings and maintained the momentum.
After losing the Rawalpindi Test, Pakistan will look to bounce back in the T20I series from Tuesday, October 28 in Rawalpindi.
– The end
Issued by:
sabyasachi chowdhury
Published on:
October 23, 2025
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