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Shaheen Afridi Slams Babar and Rizwan as Pakistan Stumble Against Proteas
8 Nov
Summary
- Pakistan captain Shaheen Afridi criticizes senior batters Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan
- Pakistan dropped 3 crucial catches during South Africa's chase, proving costly
- South Africa chased down 270 with ease to level the ODI series 1-1
On November 6, 2025, the Pakistan national cricket team suffered an 8-wicket defeat against South Africa in the second ODI of their ongoing three-match series. The loss has leveled the series at 1-1, dashing Pakistan's hopes of sealing the series.
After opting to bat first, Pakistan got off to a shaky start, slipping to 22/3. However, Saim Ayub and Salman Ali Agha steadied the innings with a 92-run partnership. Both batters hit half-centuries, but the top order, including Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, struggled, managing only 11 and 4 runs, respectively.
Mohammad Nawaz's career-best ODI knock of 59 runs helped Pakistan post a competitive total of 269. But the target proved too small for the in-form South African batting lineup, who chased it down with almost 10 overs to spare.
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The match was marred by Pakistan's sloppy fielding, as they dropped three crucial catches during South Africa's chase. These missed opportunities proved costly, as the Proteas' batters, led by Quinton de Kock's unbeaten 123, made the most of their reprieves.
After the match, a visibly frustrated Shaheen Afridi criticized the senior batters Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, as well as the team's poor fielding, for the defeat. The Pakistan captain acknowledged that the dropped catches had a significant impact on the outcome of the match.
With the series now tied at 1-1, both teams will look to bounce back in the third and final ODI on November 8, 2025, in Faisalabad.
