Pakistan's Test team captain, Shan Masood, expressed that while the team fought hard against South Africa, they couldn't maintain control of the match.
Speaking at press conference after the match in Centurion, Masood stated that there was a noticeable difference between the two teams in all four innings. He acknowledged that Pakistan put up a strong fight but couldn't seize control of the game.
Masood emphasized that the team needs to learn how to turn matches in their favor, especially in such challenging conditions.
He also praised the performances of Mohammad Abbas and Saud Shakeel, stating that their efforts deserved a Test win for Pakistan.
The national team captain further reassured that there are no issues with the quality of play within the Pakistan cricket team.
It is worth mentioning that South Africa's victory over Pakistan on the fourth day of the first Test not only secured the match but also confirmed their place in next year's World Test Championship final.
Mohammad Abbas, returning to Tests after three years, took a career-best 6 for 54, giving Pakistan hope as South Africa lost four wickets for three runs in a morning collapse.
Naseem Shah under fire after Pak defeat
Pakistan's bowling attack, particularly Naseem Shah, came under scrutiny for its ordinary show barring Muhammad Abbas' heroics as the visitors lost the first Test at Centurion by two wickets.
On a pitch that offered significant assistance to the bowlers, Naseem's figures of 3 for 92 in 22 overs raised questions about his effectiveness in pivotal moments.
One social media user criticized Naseem, stating, "It's been five years since his debut, and no one can point to a single match-winning spell of his. Extremely overrated and always gets away from criticism." The user further compared Naseem's career to Musa Khan's and called his performances inconsistent despite being hyped as a top-tier bowler.
While Naseem's talent is undeniable, his inability to produce decisive spells in high-pressure situations remains a talking point. His career average of 35 across two formats has fueled debates about his role in Pakistan's bowling unit.
Despite Naseem's mixed performance, Pakistan's bowlers put South Africa under significant pressure, reducing them to 150/8 in their chase. However, the home side's lower-order batters held their nerve to seal the win.
The loss leaves Pakistan with much to ponder ahead of the second Test in Johannesburg, where they will look to bounce back and level the series. For Naseem Shah, it presents another opportunity to answer his critics and deliver a match-winning performance.
Abbas achieves best figures against SA
Pakistan pacer Mohammad Abbas made a stunning return to international cricket, achieving a rare milestone in the first Test against South Africa at SuperSport Park on Sunday.
Abbas, playing his first Test match after nearly three years, registered the best-ever bowling figures by a Pakistan bowler against South Africa.
Abbas claimed impressive figures of 6-54 in South Africa's second innings, a performance that not only earned him a memorable personal achievement but also helped Pakistan make significant inroads into the South African middle order.
His remarkable feat surpassed the previous best by Mushtaq Ahmed, who had taken 6-78 in Durban back in 1998.
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