5 things we learnt from Pakistan's defeat to Australia in final ODI
Misfielding, selfish agendas, defensive mindset — the story of our life in 50 overs
PHOTO: AFP
Pakistan lost the fifth and final ODI to Australia at the Adelaide Oval by 57 runs. And while the Men in Green may not learn anything from yet another ODI humiliation, we certainly have.
1. Pakistan players must fix their butter fingers
We're wondering if it is even possible to analyse a Pakistan defeat in any form of cricket without a dedicated para or two about their (pathetic) fielding. It seems whenever we lose, the primary culprits are our fielders. Today was no different.
Misbahul Haq may have long left the building, but his penchant for defensive cricket is still alive in the team. Today, the slip cordon during Pakistan's bowling was empty after just five overs.
Instead of trying to get the Aussies out, Pakistan's focus was to contain the runs. They failed at both.
3. The chase was never on
Let's be honest, even the very best of sides would have struggled to track down the mammoth 370-run target set by Australia today. But failing is one thing, not even giving it your all is totally another.
Following Sharjeel Khan's departure, it was pretty clear that the team had given up. Not one of Umar Akmal's 46 runs were made to help his side in any way, while his cousin Babar Azam celebrated his ton with full knowledge that his side was well and truly on its way to a defeat.
The fact that he got out the very next ball highlights these players' selfish agendas. A win was never the target; individual glory to cement their place in the side was.
4. Hasan Ali must not be the scapegoat
Hasan Ali was by far the most expensive of Pakistan's bowlers; he gave away a century of runs in just nine overs. But it will be incredibly harsh to make him the scapegoat considering his previous performances and age.
With David Warner and Travis Head firing on all cylinder, the young pacer was thrown to the wolves. With such a chastening experience, Hasan could likely be shelved as it happens so often in Pakistan cricket, but shouldn't.
5. Azhar Ali's captaincy is in shambles
This surely has to be the end of the road for Azhar Ali as the captain of this ODI outfit. Under his leadership, the team has looked clueless and lacked the spine to even put up a fight, let alone win. On top of it, he is woefully out of form.
The only match Pakistan looked half-decent in and won during the series was when Azhar went missing due to an injury. Note to Shaharyar Khan: the knives have been sharpened plenty; it's time to wield the axe.
1. Pakistan players must fix their butter fingers
We're wondering if it is even possible to analyse a Pakistan defeat in any form of cricket without a dedicated para or two about their (pathetic) fielding. It seems whenever we lose, the primary culprits are our fielders. Today was no different.
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Misbahul Haq may have long left the building, but his penchant for defensive cricket is still alive in the team. Today, the slip cordon during Pakistan's bowling was empty after just five overs.
Instead of trying to get the Aussies out, Pakistan's focus was to contain the runs. They failed at both.
Azhar should be given more time, says Umar Gul
3. The chase was never on
Let's be honest, even the very best of sides would have struggled to track down the mammoth 370-run target set by Australia today. But failing is one thing, not even giving it your all is totally another.
Following Sharjeel Khan's departure, it was pretty clear that the team had given up. Not one of Umar Akmal's 46 runs were made to help his side in any way, while his cousin Babar Azam celebrated his ton with full knowledge that his side was well and truly on its way to a defeat.
The fact that he got out the very next ball highlights these players' selfish agendas. A win was never the target; individual glory to cement their place in the side was.
4. Hasan Ali must not be the scapegoat
Hasan Ali was by far the most expensive of Pakistan's bowlers; he gave away a century of runs in just nine overs. But it will be incredibly harsh to make him the scapegoat considering his previous performances and age.
With David Warner and Travis Head firing on all cylinder, the young pacer was thrown to the wolves. With such a chastening experience, Hasan could likely be shelved as it happens so often in Pakistan cricket, but shouldn't.
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5. Azhar Ali's captaincy is in shambles
This surely has to be the end of the road for Azhar Ali as the captain of this ODI outfit. Under his leadership, the team has looked clueless and lacked the spine to even put up a fight, let alone win. On top of it, he is woefully out of form.
The only match Pakistan looked half-decent in and won during the series was when Azhar went missing due to an injury. Note to Shaharyar Khan: the knives have been sharpened plenty; it's time to wield the axe.