Saim confident of Pakistan’s comeback

RAWALPINDI: Promising top-order batter Saim Ayub has expressed confidence that Pakistan will bounce back strongly in the remaining T20 Internationals against South Africa, admitting that the team fell short in execution during the opening match at the Rawalpindi Stadium.

Speaking to reporters after the first T20I, Saim conceded that Pakistan failed to deliver in key departments. “Things didn’t go according to the plan,” he said. “Our bowling wasn’t as sharp as it should have been. We leaked too many runs and allowed South Africa to post a total that gave them the upper hand. We had planned to restrict them to something around 160, but they batted well and capitalised on every loose delivery.”

Explaining the team’s decision to field first, Saim said the expectation of dew influencing the match didn’t materialise. “We opted to bowl first thinking dew would help us later in the chase. But that didn’t happen. Credit must go to South Africa, they bowled brilliantly under lights and didn’t allow our batters to settle. Their planning and execution were spot on,” he said.

When questioned about Pakistan’s inconsistency in the shortest format, Saim disagreed with the criticism. “I wouldn’t call it inconsistency,” he said. “We reached the Asia Cup final, we’ve put up competitive totals in recent series, yes, there are flaws, but that’s part of the process. We are learning and improving with each game. I still firmly believe we can make a strong comeback to win the next two matches and take the series.”

The young left-hander admitted that South Africa outclassed Pakistan tactically in the opening fixture. “They read the conditions better and executed their plans with precision. Every bowler stuck to the plan and contributed when it mattered most. That’s where we fell short, we couldn’t build enough pressure in the middle overs,” he said.

Saim acknowledged that his own batting form has not been up to expectations. “I know my performances with the bat haven’t been satisfactory,” he said honestly. “I’m working very hard to overcome that. It’s all about putting in the hours in the nets and trusting the process. The hard work is in my hands, results will come if I stay consistent.”

Despite the defeat, Saim sounded optimistic and motivated. “This team has the talent and the hunger to bounce back,” he asserted. “One bad match doesn’t define us. We’ll come better prepared in the next game. The spirit in the dressing room is still high, everyone is determined to turn things around.” South African all-rounder George Linde who also spoke on the occasion expressed his admiration for the Rawalpindi crowd and conditions after his side’s emphatic performance in the opening T20I, saying that the atmosphere at the stadium always brings out the best in players. “More runs are usually scored at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, and the crowd is always loud here,” Linde said after the match. “I’ve played Pakistan Super League matches in Rawalpindi before, so I know how passionate the fans are. Pakistan get great support from the stands every time they play here.”

Linde, who played a key role in South Africa’s victory, praised his team’s composure and adaptability. “We didn’t think much; our team has enough experience. South Africa has quite talented young players who are eager to prove themselves,” he said.

Acknowledging the strength of the home side, the left-arm all-rounder remarked, “Pakistan is a talented team. To beat Pakistan, you have to play good cricket — there’s no other way. They always challenge you, especially at home.”

Linde added that the ongoing series would serve as a valuable learning curve for the Proteas. “South Africa will get good experience by playing on different grounds in Pakistan. Every venue offers something new, and that’s great for our young players.”