On Monday, the Proteas found themselves in a great position to square the series.
They were 241 for 3 in a chase of 370, but lost their last seven wickets for just 33 runs to fold up for 274.
Reflecting on South Africa’s disappointing show, Mark Boucher was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo:
South Africa’s fielding in the series, otherwise their strong suit, was also below par.
In Pakistan’s second innings at Rawalpindi, South Africa grassed the chances of Mohammad Rizwan (who went on to score a century) and Faheem Ashraf. Pakistan were 76 for 5 at the stage.
South Africa’s latest loss in Pakistan comes on the back of their defeats in Sri Lanka and India over the last three years.
While their batsmen are clearly struggling in sub-continent conditions, Boucher feels the problem is more in the mind.
When you are a captain everything is highlighted: Boucher on de Kock batting struggles
South Africa’s temporary Test captain Quinton de Kock managed only 74 runs in the two Tests, with a top score of 29.
Questions are being asked on whether the additional responsibility of captaincy is getting to him.
Boucher, however, refused to single out one reason for de Kock’s lack of runs.
With the three-Test series against Australia postponed, South Africa do not have any confirmed Test fixtures for the rest of 2021 as of now.
0 votes
