South Africa thrash Pakistan as Babar falls for duck, Agha’s captaincy under fire
South Africa thrash Pakistan as Babar falls for duck, Agha’s captaincy under fire
RAWALPINDI : By Nawaz Gohar ; Pakistan’s frailties with the bat were once again exposed as South Africa outclassed the hosts by 55 runs in the first T20 International at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Chasing a challenging target of 195, Pakistan’s batting lineup faltered yet again, collapsing to 139 all out in 18.1 overs. Only Saim Ayub and Mohammad Nawaz showed brief resistance, but their efforts weren’t enough to prevent a comprehensive defeat.
South Africa’s openers laid the foundation for a commanding total, with Reeza Hendricks producing a sparkling 60 off 40 balls. Tony de Zorzi and George Linde added further acceleration with brisk cameos, guiding the Proteas to an imposing 194 for 9.
For Pakistan, left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz was the standout performer with figures of 3 for 26 in his four overs. Saim Ayub chipped in with two wickets but Pakistan’s bowlers, on the whole, struggled to maintain consistency in line and length.
In reply, Pakistan’s chase never gained momentum. Opener Saim Ayub looked promising with 37 off 28 balls, hitting four sixes, while Mohammad Nawaz’s spirited 20-ball 36 offered brief hope. However, the rest of the batting order failed miserably. Babar Azam’s early dismissal for a duck off Corbin Bosch added to the team’s woes and silenced the Rawalpindi crowd.
Bosch was the star of the evening, turning the game decisively in South Africa’s favor with a sensational spell of 4 for 14. He removed key batters including Babar Azam, captain Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Naseem Shah to seal Pakistan’s fate and was rightfully named Player of the Match.
The defeat also reignited debates over Agha’s captaincy and Pakistan’s tactical approach. Opting to field first after winning the toss, despite the evening dew making bowling difficult, proved costly. Several fielding lapses and dropped catches compounded Pakistan’s misery.
Cricket analysts and fans alike criticized the team’s strategy, describing the loss as one of poor planning rather than just batting or bowling failure. “It’s not just about form, it’s about decision-making,” said one former cricketer. “Bowling first under lights in Rawalpindi is always a risky call.”
Meanwhile, fans at the packed stadium voiced frustration, chanting slogans like “Change the captain!” after yet another middle-order collapse. On social media, #SalmanAliAgha and #ChangeTheCaptain trended soon after the match, with supporters calling for immediate changes in leadership and team selection.
For Pakistan, a strong comeback is essential in the remaining matches to keep the series alive. To do so, the team must address its tactical flaws, improve consistency with the bat, and regain composure under pressure, or risk South Africa turning their advantage into a decisive series win.
Pakistan’s playing XI includes Salman Ali Agha (captain), Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Babar Azam, Hassan Nawaz, Usman Khan, Muhammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah and Abrar Ahmed.
South Africa’s playing XI consists of Donovan Ferreira (captain), Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, Tony de Zorzi, Dewald Brewers, Matthew Breeske, George Lindsay, Carton Bosh, Lazard Williams, Nandre Burger and Langi Ndidi.
