ODI series loss

If ever there is dignity in defeat, Pakistan managed it in their 3-2 One Day International (ODI) series loss to South Africa. Not only were we playing by far the best team in the world on their home soil, we had just come off a whitewash in the Test series. And hard though it may be to admit, this is a thoroughly mediocre side that has managed to pull above its weight in international cricket over the past few years. The credit for that should go to the calming influence of captain Misbahul Haq, a man who is controversial and disliked in his own country through no fault of his own. Just because he doesn’t possess the charisma and elegance of past heroes, it should not take away from his sensible captaincy and steady batting, which was once again at its reliable best.

The ODI series confirmed that we have an exciting prospect in fast bowler Mohammed Irfan, who consistently troubled the vaunted South African batting line-up. Saeed Ajmal once again proved that he is one of the finest bowlers in the world, in all formats of the game. Misbah aside, there was not too much to celebrate on the batting front. Vice-captain Mohammed Hafeez continued his woeful run and this time was joined by Younis Khan, who may finally have to call time on his limited overs career.

Paradoxically, the best innings of the series came from a player who probably should not have been in the team. Shahid Afridi is one of the most popular cricketers to ever come out of Pakistan but he is also one of the most maddening. A typically brutal innings in a losing cause reminded us of Afridi’s unfulfilled potential but, as always, it was surrounded by miserable failures. He also failed to take a single wicket in the series. The Pakistan team are too weak to afford to carry passengers who can’t pull their weight. That is what Afridi has now become. It may be time to put him out of his misery and blood new talent for future tours.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 27^th, 2013.