Fortune does not favour Hafeez
Captain Mohammad Hafeez was left to rue a slew of inclement weather across Johannesburg on Wednesday, as Pakistan slipped to a four-run defeat to South Africa in the first Twenty20 International.
Captain Mohammad Hafeez was left to rue a slew of inclement weather across Johannesburg on Wednesday, as Pakistan slipped to a four-run defeat to South Africa in the first Twenty20 International.
Rain delayed the start of play, and threatened to return throughout, eventually having the final say in a fixture that had promised a tight contest.
The Proteas moved to a fine total of 153 for seven on the back of wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock's brisk 43 and an enterprising 31 from Hashim Amla.
Pakistan, later, reached 60 for two in 9.1 overs before the showers concluded proceedings, as the Duckworth-Lewis system afforded the Proteas an early lead in the two-match series.
"Well I think it was unfortunate. But these things are not under our control. But the boys bowled well and restricted them to 153. However, the luck is not with the Pakistan team," said Hafeez.
While the hosts rested vice-captain AB de Villiers and returned fast bowler Morne Morkel and batsman JP Duminy to the XI, the visitors lamented a string of absentees.
Former skipper Shoaib Malik, fast bowler Mohammad Irfan and all-rounder Shoaib Malik have been sidelined by respective hip, finger and hamstring injuries.
"As I said, it was a 160 to 170 kind of pitch but the bowlers bowled well. We are short on experience as Malik, Irfan and Razzak had to fly back home with injuries," concluded Hafeez.
The second and final T20I will get underway at Newlands in Cape Town on Friday. Three ODIs will follow, the first of which will be hosted by the same venue on Sunday.
Latest
-
County CricketMiddlesex relegated from Division One as Kent survive on dramatic final day
Middlesex fell just short of the victory they needed at Nottinghamshire to stay up instead of Kent.
-
IndiaEngland captain Jos Buttler believes India are favourites for World Cup
The last three editions of the Cricket World Cup – India in 2011, Australia in 2015 and England in 2019 – have been won by the host nation.
-
County CricketSurrey retain County Championship title after Essex batting collapse
The holders have been crowned champions for the 21st time.
-
County CricketGeoffrey Boycott: Everybody in Newcastle hates Mike Ashley amid Headingley links
The PA news agency understands the Frasers Group, where Ashley is chief executive, is one of the parties interested in purchasing Headingley.
-
County CricketEssex’s slim hopes of winning County Championship dented by Northamptonshire
Essex need at least 400 to have any chance of claiming top spot.
-
EnglandMatthew Mott: Jofra Archer ‘desperate to play but realistic’ ahead of World Cup
The 28-year-old is not expected to be ready to return to action until the tournament is close to a conclusion.
-
-
County CricketUmpire Sue Redfern makes history in County Championship match at Glamorgan
Redfern became the first woman to stand as an umpire in a men’s first-class match in England and Wales.
-
EnglandEngland’s summer ends in soggy fashion and prompts a call for innovation
The one-day international against Ireland at Bristol was abandoned.
-
EnglandEngland win ODI series against Ireland after play is abandoned at Bristol
Ben Duckett had scored a century and Phil Salt 61 off just 28 balls before rain stopped play.