Pakistan's struggles in white-ball cricket continued on Friday night. They lost the first T20I at Rawalpindi by 55 runs to a South African team without many of their main players.
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While Mohammad Nawaz stood out with both bat and ball, the rest of the line-up failed against South Africa's pace and discipline.
The loss drew criticism from former spinner Saeed Ajmal, who was blunt in his assessment of Pakistan's intent and body language.
Saeed Ajmal criticizes Pakistan's 'fearful' approach against South Africa
Speaking after the match on his Instagram handle, Ajmal said Pakistan showed no intent in any department — batting, bowling, or fielding and looked "scared" against South Africa's pace attack.
"South Africa outclassed Pakistan completely today. There was no intent — not in bowling, batting, or fielding. Their pace bowlers were too good, and our batters didn't even know whether the ball was coming fast or slow. They got out playing with fear," Ajmal said.
He called the middle order "totally flop," and pointed to the lack of planning from Pakistan's batters.
"South Africa bowled with proper planning. Every delivery to Saim Ayub was targeted outside off stump, and he fell into the trap. This kind of cricket is pointless — better not to play at all," he added.
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Ajmal questions team selection and all-rounder-heavy strategy
Ajmal also took a dig at Pakistan's team balance. He criticized the selection of too many all-rounders and the absence of proper bowlers.
"You are playing so many all-rounders just to fail completely. Where are the proper bowlers? Our pacers got hammered, even Abrar was expensive. Only Nawaz bowled and batted well, but there is no clarity in the team's approach," he added.
Pakistan were bundled out for 139, chasing 194, as Corbin Bosch and George Linde dismissed their batting line-up. With former captain Babar Azam falling for a duck on T20I return, the pressure on the team management has only grown.
The hosts must now regroup quickly before the second T20I to avoid another series defeat at home.
When is the Pakistan vs South Africa 2nd T20I?
The second T20I match between Pakistan and South Africa will be played in Lahore on Friday, October 31 with the match starting at 8:30 p.m. IST.
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