The Pakistan cricket team has once again lived up to its reputation for unpredictability. Their performances are so inconsistent that even their own fans can’t predict what’s coming next. After suffering a crushing defeat against New Zealand in the opening match of the tri-nation series, Pakistan faced a must-win game against South Africa to secure a place in the final.
The match started exactly as expected, South African batters dominated, tearing apart Pakistan’s bowling attack and posting a massive total of 352 runs in 50 overs.
Can Pakistan Chase 352?
The big question was Can Pakistan pull off this chase? The answer from most fans was a simple “No, they can’t.”
The innings started well, but soon the familiar collapse followed. Babar Azam was the first to fall, once again failing to play a big innings when his team needed him the most. Fakhar Zaman showed some intent but couldn’t complete his fifty, while Saud Shakeel also fell cheaply.
At this point, many Pakistani fans turned off their TVs, believing the match was all but lost.
Heroes of the Day: Rizwan and Salman to the Rescue
Then, out of nowhere, the comeback began. Captain Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha stood tall and slowly built the innings. What happened next was nothing short of extraordinary they didn’t just build the innings, they completely dismantled South Africa’s bowling attack.
The bowlers had no answers to their calm yet aggressive approach. Both batters reached their centuries, stunning everyone as Pakistan pulled off an unbelievable chase, securing victory in one of the most remarkable run chases in their history.
New Hope for Fans?
After such a thrilling win, Pakistani fans have begun to hope again. Could this team actually perform well in CT25? However, despite the win, there are several major concerns that need urgent attention.
- Babar Azam’s Poor Form
Babar Azam’s continuous failures are becoming a serious concern. If his poor form continues, it will not only hurt Pakistan’s chances but also increase pressure on himself as a senior player. Pakistan needs their best batter to step up, especially in big tournaments.
- Bowling Woes: A Growing Crisis
Pakistan’s bowling has been far below par lately. The flat conditions in Pakistan won’t offer much help, unlike SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) countries, where bowlers get assistance. Fast bowlers must quickly adjust their line and length to be effective.
Shaheen Afridi & Haris Rauf must improve their yorkers and pace variations.
Naseem Shah needs to be more sensible in controlling his swing. He has been part of the team for years now he is no longer a “youngster” but a key pacer who must step up. Late swing alone won’t save him.
- Spin Bowling Concerns
Pakistan desperately needs a strong spinner to support Abrar Ahmed. Part-time options like Khushdil Shah and Salman Ali Agha won’t always be reliable.
Potential spin options Pakistan should consider:
Sufiyan Muqeem (left-arm chinaman)
Faisal Akram (talented wrist spinner)
These young spinners could add much-needed depth to Pakistan’s attack.
- Rizwan’s Captaincy: Needs More Fire
Mohammad Rizwan must motivate his players and keep them hyped for this home tournament. The fans are eager to see their team lift a trophy after so many years.
He needs to:
Be more aggressive in decision-making.
Not give the opposition space to dominate.
Keep the squad mentally strong and focused throughout the tournament.
- Batting Concerns: One-Off Heroics Won’t Always Work
Chasing 352 and breaking a 4th-wicket partnership record isn’t something that will happen every match. Pakistan’s entire batting lineup must take responsibility. It cannot be left to just one or two players to win matches single-handedly.
Time for Pakistan to Show Character
Cricket is a team sport, and it’s time for the Pakistan team to unite, show character, and fight as a unit. The fans have been waiting for years to see their team lift a major ICC trophy.
With CT25 around the corner, this is their chance. Will they rise to the occasion, or will inconsistency continue to haunt them?
Author: Sufian Shahid
