FAISALABAD: Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi admitted his side fell short in the field during their eight-wicket defeat to South Africa in the second ODI, pointing to dropped catches and missed opportunities as key turning points.
“I think Saim and Agha did really well, and their partnership helped us,” Afridi said, referring to the 92-run stand that stabilized Pakistan after an early collapse.
Pakistan had recovered from 22 for 3 to post 269 for 9, with notable contributions from Saim Ayub (53), Salman Agha (68), and Mohammad Nawaz (59). Afridi believed the total was competitive given the circumstances. “Firstly, losing three wickets, we thought 270 was a good score, but dropped catches cost us.”
Pakistan’s bowlers struggled to contain South Africa’s top order, with no one conceding under six runs an over. Afridi acknowledged the challenge but remained optimistic. “We will come back strongly.”