Pakistan’s Defeat in Second SA T20I: Hafeez and Shehzad Speak Out

• Shehzad criticized the team’s lack of key players and the team’s performance, comparing it to a previous loss against Australia.
• Hafeez also expressed his displeasure, calling the match ‘Absolute circus#PakistanCricket.’
• South Africa leads the three-match T20I series 2-0, with the final game set for Johannesburg today.

Following Pakistan’s heavy loss to South Africa in the second T20I at Centurion on Friday, former all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez and opening batter Ahmed Shehzad voiced their frustration.

Shehzad took to social media platform ‘X’ to share his discontent with the team’s performance. “To be honest, it was a good game to watch as a spectator… but it felt like South Africa A and Pakistan A sides were playing against each other, with some players having the ability to fit into the senior side from both countries,” Shehzad posted. He also criticized Pakistan’s performance, saying, “Just a reminder 7 key players are absent from this South Africa side, and we played with our full strength and lost the series once again, just like we lost against the Australian kids in T20s a few days ago.”

Further expressing his disappointment, the 33-year-old declared, “Pakistan cricket is dying every day, and everyone is sleeping from top to bottom. Shame.”

Hafeez also chimed in, expressing his displeasure by simply posting, “Absolute circus #PakistanCricket.”

In the match, Pakistan batted first and set a competitive total of 206/5 in 20 overs, thanks to an exceptional unbeaten knock of 98* off 57 balls from young opening batter Saim Ayub. His partnership with Muhammad Irfan Khan, who contributed with 30 off 16 balls, was crucial. Despite their solid efforts, Pakistan’s total fell short as South Africa chased down the target confidently.

South Africa responded with a dominant performance led by Reeza Hendricks, who struck an impressive 117 off 63 balls, including seven boundaries and 10 sixes. He shared a 157-run partnership with Rassie van der Dussen, who remained unbeaten on 59 off 39 balls. Van der Dussen sealed the victory with a six in the final over, securing South Africa’s win in 19.3 overs.

With the victory, South Africa now leads the three-match T20I series 2-0. The final game of the series is set to take place in Johannesburg today.

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