In a dramatic turn of events at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium, Pakistan nearly let go of a commanding position in the first Test against South Africa. With a lead of 259 runs and six wickets in hand, the home side appeared to be in complete control — until a stunning collapse shifted the momentum. Within just 45 minutes, Pakistan lost six wickets for a mere 17 runs, giving the visitors a chance to chase down a manageable target of 277.
Head coach Azhar Mahmood did not hold back his frustration after the game. He criticized the batters for their poor shot selection and lack of application on a surface that required patience and discipline. “We've only got ourselves to blame for giving South Africa a way back into the match. From 150 for 4, we lost six wickets for just 17 runs. The problem wasn't the conditions or luck — it was purely our poor decision-making,” Mahmood said after the match.
A Familiar Pattern of Collapse
This wasn't the first time Pakistan had suffered such a collapse. The inconsistency in the batting order has become a recurring theme, something Mahmood emphasized must be addressed immediately. In the first innings, Pakistan lost three wickets without adding a single run, turning what was a solid 199 for 2 into 199 for 5.
The middle-order partnership between Mohammad Rizwan and Agha Salman, which added an impressive 163 runs, provided hope. Yet, the lower order failed to capitalize on the foundation, as the last five wickets fell for just 16 runs. This inconsistency has cost Pakistan valuable momentum in several recent series.
Mahmood's comments reflect a growing concern within Pakistan's cricket setup — the inability to convert strong starts into match-winning totals. “It's quite simple; losing six wickets in 17 runs isn't good enough. The pitch had some movement, yes, but it didn't dismiss us. Our own poor shot choices did. If we're going to play on these kinds of wickets, we must learn to bat responsibly,” he added.
Conditions Were Challenging but Playable
Mahmood acknowledged that the pitch had its challenges but stressed that it was not unplayable. “In the match against England, we played on a used surface, and the one against the West Indies turned quite a bit. Here, though, if you apply yourself, batting becomes easier. The pitch is slow, which makes it tough for new batters to settle in,” he said.
Indeed, several Pakistani players managed to get good starts but couldn't carry on. Both Abdullah Shafique and Babar Azam made promising 40s but failed to build on them. The lack of big individual scores continues to haunt Pakistan in key matches, despite the team's moments of brilliance.
A Lesson in Temperament and Focus
At tea on Day 3, Pakistan's strategy was simple — bat through the session and extend the lead beyond 300. However, pressure and poor decision-making disrupted that plan. “The batters made an effort, but the pressure eventually got to them. We had planned to bat through the session, but we couldn't do that. We made errors, and we'll review them going forward,” Mahmood admitted.
Pakistan's bowlers eventually rescued the team from another potential defeat, bowling South Africa out for 183 to secure a 93-run victory. But the batting collapse exposed deeper flaws that need immediate correction before tougher assignments ahead.
Winmatch's Take on the Game
Cricket is a game of temperament, balance, and smart choices — values that Winmatch celebrates across every match and season. The unpredictable swings of this Test mirrored how quickly momentum can shift in sports and in life. Just as Pakistan's middle-order collapse changed the direction of the game, Winmatch emphasizes the importance of consistency, focus, and resilience to thrive under pressure.
The thrilling end to the Test serves as a reminder that success often depends not on talent alone, but on strategy, timing, and composure — qualities every fan and player can relate to.
With Winmatch, followers of the sport can experience the same intensity and spirit of competition through engaging updates, live coverage highlights, and insightful analysis that keep the excitement of cricket alive.
Looking Ahead
Pakistan's win by 93 runs may look convincing on paper, but the coaching staff knows there's a lot to improve before the next Test. Building partnerships, maintaining composure, and executing the right shot selection at crucial moments will be key if Pakistan wants to sustain success against top-tier sides.
As Azhar Mahmood rightly put it, “If we're going to play on these wickets, we must learn to bat.”
And as Winmatch continues to highlight — in cricket and beyond — true strength lies not in dominance, but in the ability to recover, adapt, and rise stronger with every challenge.
