South African captain Aiden Markram admitted that his team had their moments in the first Test against Pakistan but failed to capitalize when it mattered most.
Speaking after Pakistan’s 93-run victory in Lahore, Markram praised the hosts’ batting partnerships and expressed optimism about turning things around in the upcoming Rawalpindi Test.
“If Ryan Rickelton had stayed a little longer, the result could have been different,” Markram said, emphasizing how the momentum slipped away in the final innings. “Pakistan’s batsmen built a very good partnership in the first innings, which made a big difference.”
Markram satisfied with team’s effort
The South African skipper maintained that he was satisfied with his team’s overall performance, insisting the match was far from one-sided.
“We fought hard in patches. The bowlers kept us in the game, and the batters showed glimpses of fight,” he noted.
Markram added that he expected similar playing conditions in Rawalpindi and said the team would make tactical adjustments accordingly. “We’ll try to win by playing better cricket in Pindi. The surface there might resemble Lahore’s, so we’ll prepare accordingly,” he said.
Shan Masood: ‘Our focus is on consistency, improvement’
Responding to Markram’s remarks, Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood credited his side’s disciplined performance but acknowledged areas for improvement. “Our focus has always been on improving the team,” Shan said in his post-match press conference. “We’re playing good cricket and have made a strong start in the Test Championship, but now the real challenge is to keep winning consistently.”
Shan admitted Pakistan made several mistakes in their second innings collapse. “In one innings, we lost five wickets for 16 runs; in the other, six wickets for 17 — that’s a lesson for us,” he said.
Discussing team composition ahead of the Rawalpindi Test, Shan said no changes had been finalized yet. “We’ll decide after seeing the pitch. If there’s room for two seamers, then Hasan and Shaheen will be our go-to options,” he shared.
The captain praised Hasan Ali and Shaheen Afridi for their reverse swing and also lauded Nauman Ali’s game-changing spell. “Nauman’s consistency and control were exceptional. The Lahore pitch reminded me of the Rawalpindi Test against England — it demanded patience and skill,” he added.
Both captains now turn their attention to the second Test in Rawalpindi, starting October 20. Pakistan, leading the series 1-0, will aim to seal the series, while South Africa will be desperate to level it.
“The World Test Championship is played in different conditions and against different teams,” Shan reminded. “The key is adaptability — whether it’s England, West Indies, or Bangladesh, every environment tests your character.”
With Rawalpindi expected to offer similar conditions, another gripping contest between bat and ball awaits cricket fans.
