Former Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez has sparked controversy on social media after Pakistan’s humiliating 55-run loss to South Africa in the first T20 International at Rawalpindi. Hafeez, known for his outspoken views, didn’t mince words as he criticized both the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the national team’s performance.
Mohammad Hafeez’s scathing tweet targets Pakistan’s standards
Following the defeat, Hafeez took to X (formerly Twitter) and wrote:
“Nothing wrong with Pindi pitch, but the obvious difference is the standard of cricket. #PAKvSA. International league vs International team.”
His tweet was a clear jab at Pakistan’s lacklustre showing, suggesting that the Pakistan Super League (PSL) often displays a higher standard of cricket than the national side. Fans and analysts quickly reacted, with some agreeing with Hafeez’s assessment and others accusing him of being too harsh on the players.
South Africa outclass Pakistan in 1st T20I
The match was a one-sided affair as South Africa dominated from start to finish. Put in to bat first, the visitors posted a formidable total of 194/9, with Reeza Hendricks scoring a classy 60 runs, supported by George Linde’s quickfire 36 off 22 balls.
Pakistan’s bowlers struggled to contain the flow of runs, failing to build pressure during the middle overs. Although Mohammad Nawaz managed to pick up three wickets, the visitors maintained control throughout the innings.
In response, Pakistan’s chase never took off. Former skipper Babar Azam fell for a two-ball duck in his comeback game, while other batters too crumbled under pressure. The hosts were bowled out for 139 in just 18.1 overs, handing South Africa a comprehensive 55-run victory.
The standout performer for South Africa was Corbin Bosch, who claimed 4 wickets, dismantling Pakistan’s middle order and sealing the win.
The loss exposed recurring weaknesses in Pakistan’s T20 setup – too many dot balls, poor strike rotation, and reckless shot selection. The team’s inability to adapt to match situations continues to be a major concern heading into the next games.
Pakistan’s struggles continue in T20 Internationals
Pakistan’s batting woes have been a consistent theme in recent T20 series. Apart from all-rounder Nawaz’s late resistance (36 off 20 balls), none of the batters managed to make a significant impact. South Africa’s bowlers executed their plans perfectly, exploiting Pakistan’s lack of intent and tactical awareness.
This defeat has intensified calls for introspection within the team setup, with former players and experts urging the PCB to focus on player development, mental toughness, and strategic depth.
The second T20I will take place on October 31 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. With the visitors leading 1-0 in the three-match series, Pakistan will need to regroup quickly and deliver a strong performance to keep their hopes alive.
