Following Pakistan’s one-sided defeat against South Africa in the second One-Day International, questions have arisen regarding the team’s internal dynamics and strategy. Amidst this pressure, national cricket team all-rounder Faheem Ashraf adopted a unified stance, declaring that no single person can be held responsible for the disappointing failure.
Speaking to the media after the eight-wicket loss, Faheem Ashraf defended the team’s collective approach and decisions. He confirmed that the decision to bat first was the captain’s, but suggested it would be unfair to solely link the defeat to that choice.
Explaining the challenges faced by the team, Ashraf noted that bowling became difficult in the second innings due to dew or humidity, which reduced the bowlers’ grip on the ball. However, he emphasized a crucial point: “Doing good fielding is within your own hands,” suggesting that fielding errors were within the team’s control and should have been executed better.
He assured that the team would soon sit down and discuss all the shortcomings to formulate a future strategy. Faheem Ashraf also admitted that the players and fans would have been much happier if the team had secured a victory on their home ground.
It is worth noting that thanks to Quinton de Kock’s brilliant century, South Africa comfortably won the match, leveling the three-match series at 1-1, which dramatically increases the importance of the decider.
