Former all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez and opening batter Ahmed Shehzad expressed their disappointment following Pakistan's crushing defeat in the second T20I against South Africa at Centurion on Friday.
Shehzad took to the social media platform 'X,' and expressed his frustration over 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.
"If you know, you know."
"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," he added.
The 33-year-old did not hold back on his criticism, stating, "Pakistan cricket is dying every day, and everyone is sleeping from top to bottom. Shame."
Meanwhile, Hafeez also expressed his displeasure, posting a sharp remark on the situation.
"Absolute circus #PakistanCricket," Hafeez posted.
In the match, Pakistan opted to bat first and posted a competitive total of 206/5 in their 20 overs, thanks to a superb unbeaten knock by young opening batter Saim Ayub.
The left-hand batter played an exceptional innings of 98* off 57 balls, featuring 11 boundaries and five sixes.
Ayub formed a crucial 73-run partnership with Muhammad Irfan Khan, who contributed with a quickfire 30 off 16 balls.
Irfan’s dismissal in the final over saw Abbas Afridi add a quick 11 runs off four balls before Pakistan's innings ended, leaving Ayub just two runs short of a well-deserved century.
South Africa responded strongly in their chase, powered by Reeza Hendricks' outstanding 117 off 63 balls, which included seven boundaries and 10 sixes.
Hendricks shared a mammoth 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 off Abbas Afridi in the final over, guiding South Africa to victory in 19.3 overs.
The hosts now lead the three-match T20I series 2-0, with the final game scheduled to take place in Johannesburg today.
- Mohammad Hafeez
- Ahmed Shehzad
