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Ramiz Raja analyzes Pakistan’s fightback despite Test series defeat to South Africa

According to Ramiz, while the loss was disappointing, the headlines following this Test match might be more positive compared to the usual negative narrative that accompanies a defeat

Ramiz Raja analyzes Pakistan’s fightback despite Test series defeat to South Africa PHOTO:AFP

In a tough Test series where Pakistan ultimately lost, former cricketer Ramiz Raja emphasized the significance of the team’s spirited fightback. Despite the defeat, Pakistan’s performance in the final match showcased resilience, which is crucial for the future of the team.

According to Ramiz, while the loss was disappointing, the headlines following this Test match might be more positive compared to the usual negative narrative that accompanies a defeat. Pakistan fought until the very end, refusing to give up. Their effort to challenge South Africa, especially after facing a follow-on, left a strong impression. The South African team was made to sweat, showing the determination and fighting spirit of Pakistan’s players.

One of the standout performances came from Shan Masood, who found his form with the bat. Ramiz highlighted that Masood's leadership on the field was vital, not just for his confidence but also for the team's morale. A strong performance from the captain boosts the confidence of the entire squad, motivating them to give their best. When a captain performs, it earns respect in the dugout, and players are more likely to listen and follow their leader.

Despite the fightback, Pakistan’s batting in the first innings was a major letdown. Ramiz pointed out that if Pakistan had performed better in the first innings, they could have been in a much stronger position. However, the second innings showed the potential the team has, and the game could have gone in their favor if they had capitalized on the opportunities.

Ramiz also acknowledged the efforts of Pakistan’s bowlers, particularly Mohammad Abbas, who had a standout series. He highlighted the breakout performances of players like Saim Ayub, who, despite not playing in the Test match, showed promise in the ODI format. His performances made him a valuable asset for Pakistan moving forward.

Looking ahead, Ramiz noted that Pakistan needs to evaluate their options in both batting and bowling, especially when playing away from home. He suggested that the team needs to figure out which players can step up and perform consistently. With young talents like Naseem Shah showing potential, and the experienced Shaheen Shah Afridi possibly making an impact, Pakistan has the resources to make a stronger comeback in future series.

Ramiz concluded by urging Pakistan to learn from their defeat, stressing that the fightback in this Test match would be remembered as a world-class effort. He encouraged the team to take confidence from their performance and continue building on it for the upcoming series against West Indies. As the World Test Championship cycle begins, Pakistan must focus on winning their home series and improving their game further to challenge top teams.

South Africa’s victory, which saw them winning seven consecutive Test matches, was also praised by Ramiz, acknowledging the impressive performances of the South African team. Their success, both at home and abroad, has earned them a spot in the World Test Championship final, where they are expected to give Australia a tough time.

In conclusion, while the defeat was hard to digest, Ramiz remains hopeful that Pakistan can learn from this experience, refine their strategies, and perform better in the future.