Pakistan vs South Africa: A Test Match Recap
“Shaheen bhai,” called Shan Masood, the captain of Pakistan’s Test team, to Shaheen Shah Afridi, the newly appointed ODI captain, who was positioned at long-on. Masood urged him to advance, challenging Kagiso Rabada to face off against Sajid Khan. Rabada, responding to the offspinner, executed a remarkable shot, smashing the ball over Shaheen’s head and easily surpassing the long-on position. This moment encapsulated a chaotic two hours where South Africa’s lower order outplayed Pakistan’s bowlers, rendering their fielding approach ineffective.
Masood’s frustration with South Africa’s tail is evident, something he clearly contemplates. Following a recent victory in Lahore, he noted the striking disparity between the contributions from both teams’ lower orders. Pakistan’s numbers showed a troubling loss: 11-33 across two innings, contrasting with South Africa’s effective 8-79. This trend aligns with recent statistics, highlighting South Africa’s last four batsmen averaging over 28 since the start of that Test series.
Despite the natural instinct to highlight areas for improvement, the attention to detail in Masood’s observations reflects his deep concern. This morning, however, as Pakistan set their strategies, they executed effectively in the first session, dismantling South Africa after breaking the only partnership that showed resistance. While the older ball was key to their success, performances from Noman Ali and Asif Afridi contributed to crucial wickets.
Pakistan, led by Masood, understands the threats posed by South Africa. The warmth of late October in Rawalpindi could easily mislead one to think it was December in South Africa. In a previous Test, a morning session dominated by Pakistan led to South Africa’s last two wickets contributing significantly to their lead, a scenario that wasn’t unfamiliar.
As the match progressed, when Pakistan again had South Africa in trouble, Rabada joined Marco Jansen to create a solid partnership that ultimately led to victory and a place in the World Test Championship final. Despite knowing this risk, Pakistan appeared passive in their approach, underestimating South Africa’s counterattack as runs rapidly accumulated.
Mohammad Rizwan missed a stumping opportunity, and despite efforts to contain Rabada, he struck crucial boundaries. With the score reaching an imposing 300, Pakistan shifted focus to countering Rabada, but the runs came too easily. Rabada’s performance showcased his batting finesse, juxtaposing his low Test average with his exceptional stroke play. Asif’s spell, initially promising, was too late to alter the game’s momentum.
In contrast, Masood often reflects on opportunities missed in previous situations—such as the Centurion Test. While Pakistan struggled to adapt as the game shifted, their tactics lacked clarity, as evidenced by Asif being sidelined when the opposition was flourishing. Ultimately, South Africa capitalized, showcasing the contrast in contributions from lower-order batsmen, further emphasizing Pakistan’s struggles.
