Talking Points After Pakistan’s T20 Series Defeat In South Africa

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Pakistan’s T20 Series Defeat In South Africa, Pakistan’s Consolation Victory At Centurion, Remaining Matches Of PSL 5
Image Source: CHRISTIAAN KOTZE/AFP/Getty Images

The green shirts lost a T20 series for the first time in almost two years yesterday, in South Africa. Hence, here is a look at talking points following Pakistan’s T20 series defeat in South Africa.

Read: Pakistanis Can’t Contain Their Happiness As Sana Mir Becomes First Asian Woman To Play 100 T20Is

Malik Becomes The New Villain

Pakistan’s T20 Series Defeat In South Africa
Image Source: CHRISTIAAN KOTZE/AFP/Getty Images

Fifth ODI onwards, Shoaib Malik’s captaincy has been horrific, to say the least. From bowling Shadab Khan and Usman Khan Shinwari at wrong junctures of the game to unnecessarily asking Hussain Talat and Fakhar Zaman to bowl; Malik has committed blunders that have left entire Pakistan in shock. So, it is only obvious that he is now being criticized right, left and center for his poor decisions on the field. Hence, he is officially the new villain of Pakistan cricket.

Read: Questions We Have In Mind Before Pakistan’s T20 Series In South Africa

Wrong Team Selections-Mickey Needs To Be Held Accountable

Pakistan’s T20 Series Defeat In South Africa
Image Source: ESPN Cricinfo

Mickey Arthur to his credit has done wonders as far as Pakistan’s fielding and fitness is concerned. He has also been instrumental in shaping careers of a number of youngsters including Babar Azam, Shadab Khan, Fakhar Zaman etc. However, he is also guilty of selecting the wrong playing elevens on more than one occasion now.

Pakistan’s T20 Series Defeat In South Africa
Image Source: www.espncricinfo.com

His selection methods first came into limelight in 2017 when his influence resulted in Pakistan losing their home series to a weak Sri Lankan side. His selection policy was also questioned during the Asia Cup last year and he has been under fire again, throughout the ODI and T20 series in South Africa.

Pakistan’s T20 Series Defeat In South Africa
Image Source: Dawn

Thus, there is little or no doubt that the head coach needs to be held accountable for his mismanagement. It is also important that his influence while selecting teams is reduced even if that results in him giving up the post.  

Read: Talking Points After Pakistan’s ODI Series Defeat In South Africa

A Reminder On Why Sarfraz Is Important

Pakistan’s T20 Series Defeat In South Africa
Image Source: Times Of Oman

Sarfraz’s ban quite frankly, has been a blessing in disguise. On one hand, it has allowed the skipper much needed rest and on the other, it has exposed the weakness that lies with the potential candidates. Malik and Rizwan failed completely to make use of their opportunity.

Pakistan’s T20 Series Defeat In South Africa
Image Source: tribune.com.pk

The fact that Pakistan has lost a T20 series for the first time after Sarfraz’s appointment and that too only when he wasn’t available, quite clearly serves as a reminder to Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), fans and the media on why Sarfraz is important both as a captain and a team player.

1 COMMENT

  1. Further As Pakistani Team always needs pressure, from Imran Khan era to stick with the game plans lease they do as per their mind set which ultimately leads to be the looser ends. Imran used to be even abusive while Akram and Misbah used to show a lot both from their gestures and words so I ardently believe a Sarfaraz push hard approach was required to get the team on track again

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