Kudos to South Africa for not pretending to be wholesome with Pakistan team

[Major]

One thing I have enjoyed about this series against South Africa is that the Saffers are not trying to be wholesome and are sledging and giving it to the Pakistani team, who in return are being forced to keep their self respect intact aswell.

In the past, it has become a bit annoying seeing our players hugging and kissing up to the guys from Australia, England and New Zealand. Australia also just played along with us as well. Like i was genuinely afraid Rizwan would go behind a player cover his eyes with his hands and than pop out showing the batter that its just only him.

But the saffers have reminded us what Cricket used to be. At one instances one of their guys goes up to Kamran Ghulam, who initially smiled back but then realized the fielder was just messing with him and the F abuse came (now KG looked funny, but sledging itself is an art that you learn over time).

I think this also forced our guys to have an attitude and bring in their A game. For example, even though Abbas doesnt really sledge, but atleast he doesnt pass smiles even when he bowls a medium pace bouncer to batters.

 

[Aqib_mustafa]

One thing I have enjoyed about this series against South Africa is that the Saffers are not trying to be wholesome and are sledging and giving it to the Pakistani team, who in return are being forced to keep their self respect intact aswell.

In the past, it has become a bit annoying seeing our players hugging and kissing up to the guys from Australia, England and New Zealand. Australia also just played along with us as well. Like i was genuinely afraid Rizwan would go behind a player cover his eyes with his hands and than pop out showing the batter that its just only him.

But the saffers have reminded us what Cricket used to be. At one instances one of their guys goes up to Kamran Ghulam, who initially smiled back but then realized the fielder was just messing with him and the bloody Fs came (now KG looked funny, but sledging itself is an art that you learn over time).

I think this also forced our guys to have an attitude and bring in their A game. For example, even though Abbas doesnt really sledge, but atleast he doesnt pass smiles even when he bowls a medium pace bouncer to batters.

Ya surprisegly south africa are sledging pak never seen australia or england doing to pak i mean just look at recent series between england and pak it was played in nice friendly manner where as south africa are really into pakistan even abbas was giving them stares and kamran ghulam also give it back i am liking pak players are not holding back either

 

[Rana]

Tunn ke Rakho South Africa walo! The fake kings and queens deserve this humbling!

 

[SpiritOf1903]

It's about time Pakistan developed a backbone!

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Yes, it had become really boring to watch Pakistan play like a bunch of doormats for so long.

It was refreshing to see Abbas stare at batters and give them send offs even though he barely breached 80 mph.

Naseem was 5 miles quicker but bowled like a submissive , beaten man

Hope this aggression carries on to Cape Town

 

[Varun]

Like i was genuinely afraid Rizwan would go behind a player cover his eyes with his hands and than pop out showing the batter that its just only him.

Did such a thing really happen?

 

[stani_pak]

South Africa where pumped and was glad to see that, they had so much riding on this match, a win would gurantee them a spot in the WTC finals, so was glad to see this from them, and was a good to see them reach the finals. Hoping Pak can continue to improve in Test cricket, some fight shown by Pak, but still work needs to be done to get Pak winning test matches

 

[Major]

Did such a thing really happen?

I wouldnt be surprise if it did happened lol

 

[RexRex]

In the past, it has become a bit annoying seeing our players hugging and kissing up to the guys from Australia, England and New Zealand. Australia also just played along with us as well.

Good to see. Pakistan have finally grown some self-respect as a team unlike in earlier times, when they used to fawn over the opposition. I still remember Afridi gifting Bumrah a box of diapers after the former's baby was born

 

[Flat_Track_Bully]

Good to see. Pakistan have finally grown some self-respect as a team unlike in earlier times, when they used to fawn over the opposition. I still remember Afridi gifting Bumrah a box of diapers after the former's baby was born

View attachment 149153

The last WC match and T20 WC match against India was the most pathetic display of fanboyism from Pakistani players. I was truly disgusted. They were beaten 2 days before the match.

It will be interesting to see their reaction now when India has refused to play in Pakistan for CT. It should be a lesson, they got a slap on their faces looking around to see a crowd full of pajeets in their own home tournament

 

[Kianig89]

Yhe reason is SA took us lightly , they announced their squads with lot of rotation and young players. It went according to plan when SA won T20 series. However the upside down rollercoaster in ODIS left SA Butt hurt and reeling in a compromised position therefore the sledging and anger in Tests.

 

[Rana]

Yhe reason is SA took us lightly , they announced their squads with lot of rotation and young players. It went according to plan when SA won T20 series. However the upside down rollercoaster in ODIS left SA Butt hurt and reeling in a compromised position therefore the sledging and anger in Tests.

South Africa have been savaging Pakistan at home in Tests since I could remember. They didn’t suddenly change their attitude towards Pakistan all of a sudden

 

[shaz619]

I completely agree.

South African bowlers to Rizwan, every time he attempted the chicken dance or showed his horrible teeth to them:

 

[Kianig89]

South Africa have been savaging Pakistan at home in Tests since I could remember. They didn’t suddenly change their attitude towards Pakistan all of a sudden

SA got hyper when Klassen raged and alleged on reverse swing, its a fact they got 1-0 down. Pakistan piled more misery by winning the series, SA pride was stolen with a whitewash.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Yes, it had become really boring to watch Pakistan play like a bunch of doormats for so long.

It was refreshing to see Abbas stare at batters and give them send offs even though he barely breached 80 mph.

Naseem was 5 miles quicker but bowled like a submissive , beaten man

Hope this aggression carries on to Cape Town

Naseem was inconsistent but he bowled a brilliant spell after lunch on Day 2.

 

[Rana]

SA got hyper when Klassen raged and alleged on reverse swing, its a fact they got 1-0 down. Pakistan piled more misery by winning the series, SA pride was stolen with a whitewash.

Ermm no.

SA are a hostile team to play at home in Tests. Pakistan are not special.

 

[shaz619]

Naseem was inconsistent but he bowled a brilliant spell after lunch on Day 2.

I didn’t watch the final session but I would have expected him to finish the game with his extra zip compared to the other bowlers and used a bit of creativity against the tail, very very disappointed in him; a sign of too much overconfidence perhaps expecting SA to just lay down

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

The last WC match and T20 WC match against India was the most pathetic display of fanboyism from Pakistani players. I was truly disgusted. They were beaten 2 days before the match.

It will be interesting to see their reaction now when India has refused to play in Pakistan for CT. It should be a lesson, they got a slap on their faces looking around to see a crowd full of pajeets in their own home tournament

I don't see what the Indian players have to do with that. They are not the ones who decided not to travel to Pakistan.

But yes, you do get that feeling that they are just a bunch of fanboys just fawning over and admiring these supposed superstars, rather than being their equals. I don't have any issue with them chatting or having friendly banter in their dressing rooms like Asia Cup 2023. But exchanging shirts on a pitch after you just got destroyed infront of a partisan crowd of 100,000 looks really bad. The PCB media team is also to blame here with their low-rent PR tactics to generate clicks like Shaheen giving diapers or whatever to Bumrah.

Even if you want to do something nice, why does it have to be infront of a camera? Why do you want everyone to know that we are buddy-buddy?

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

I didn’t watch the final session but I would have expected him to finish the game with his extra zip compared to the other bowlers and used a bit of creativity against the tail, very very disappointed in him; a sign of too much overconfidence perhaps expecting SA to just lay down

He has not cracked it in test cricket yet. I thought he bowled okay in the second innings. I blame the lack of runs more than the bowlers. And Naseem did get the crucial breakthrough of Verreyne. But he needs to improve in alot of facets to be successful in this format. He has all the tools but the fitness and consistency is simply not there. I will say though that atleast he is playing test cricket and trying, rather than running away like Shaheen.

Right now he is someone who will come and bowl and incredible spell where the length is perfect, he is beating the bat and even picks up a wicket a two. But then the next two spells will be all over the place.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

People are talking about India-Pakistan, what about Pakistan-Australia? Another team we like to be buddy buddy with, all while getting steamrolled by them. Anyone remember the 2022 series?

 

[shaz619]

He has not cracked it in test cricket yet. I thought he bowled okay in the second innings. I blame the lack of runs more than the bowlers. And Naseem did get the crucial breakthrough of Verreyne. But he needs to improve in alot of facets to be successful in this format. He has all the tools but the fitness and consistency is simply not there. I will say though that atleast he is playing test cricket and trying, rather than running away like Shaheen.

Right now he is someone who will come and bowl and incredible spell where the length is perfect, he is beating the bat and even picks up a wicket a two. But then the next two spells will be all over the place.

He has attitude problems, I think they all do. I think Shaheen resting was a PCB decision, a non-sensical one, though you could call Shaheen a coward I suppose for not wanting to bowl in SA or that infamous super over against the USA. Naseem can come back in the next Test if he takes it more seriously and stops being a diva , he usually does when under a bit of fire. But long term defo the fitness and consistency are needed and should come if his attitude is sorted.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Good to see. Pakistan have finally grown some self-respect as a team unlike in earlier times, when they used to fawn over the opposition. I still remember Afridi gifting Bumrah a box of diapers after the former's baby was born

View attachment 149153

I attribute this more to the PCB media team, who seem absolutely desperate for likes and clicks. They’ve scored more own goals than anything else—like Babar’s “Nawaz, tu mera match-winner hai.” How much those words came back to haunt us, lol.

But players should have the sense to say no. And like I said, even if you want to do something nice, why do it in front of a camera? That automatically makes it feel fake, as if you’re desperate to generate clicks and views from India.

 

[Bewal Express]

KG answered in a language they understood and well done to him. This is way better than The pathetic Aussie team that couldn't show any backbone after a midget barged their player. IPL contracts are too important and dignity comes 2nd

 

[TeymurBlake]

I wonder if they sledged about reaching the T20 WC final (South Africa) while Pakistani players were busy with $25 dawats.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

He has attitude problems, I think they all do. I think Shaheen resting was a PCB decision, a non-sensical one, though you could call Shaheen a coward I suppose for not wanting to bowl in SA or that infamous super over against the USA. Naseem can come back in the next Test if he takes it more seriously and stops being a diva , he usually does when under a bit of fire. But long term defo the fitness and consistency are needed and should come if his attitude is sorted.

At the end of the day, if Shaheen really wanted to play test cricket, I doubt anyone would be able to stop him. He did the same thing in Australia, where he sat out the Sydney test. Mitch Starc, who he is buddies with is 34 and plays every single test match for Australia. He has played 4 in just this test series, and I actually can't even remember the last time he missed a test match in Australia. Meanwhile Shaheen is not even playing in conditions where he would be most suited to take wickets.

That may be true, but Naseem has many attributes that most of our players lack. He is another guy capable of handling pressure and delivering when the chips are down. However, he needs to make a concentrated effort to elevate his fitness and consistency; otherwise, he too will be consigned to the dustbin of history, like the long line of Pakistani fast bowlers who had talent but were too mediocre to make anything of it.

 

[shaz619]

At the end of the day, if Shaheen really wanted to play test cricket, I doubt anyone would be able to stop him. He did the same thing in Australia, where he sat out the Sydney test. Mitch Starc, who he is buddies with is 34 and plays every single test match for Australia. He has played 4 in just this test series, and I actually can't even remember the last time he missed a test match in Australia. Meanwhile Shaheen is not even playing in conditions where he would be most suited to take wickets.

That may be true, but Naseem has many attributes that most of our players lack. He is another guy capable of handling pressure and delivering when the chips are down. However, he needs to make a concentrated effort to elevate his fitness and consistency; otherwise, he too will be consigned to the dustbin of history, like the long line of Pakistani fast bowlers who had talent but were too mediocre to make anything of it.

If he was insisting on it I agree no one would stop him, but then for him to underperform and bowl at a similar pace as Abbas would be futile, I don’t know what his recent success in SA could be attributed to, the rest he was suddenly given, him putting more pressure on his knees and bowling freely or a change in his desires with a new captain etc. It’s a catch 22 for Pakistan fans because you don’t know which Shaheen you’re going to get / what his ceiling is in Tests, but ultimately the management need to utilise their resources better.

He has all the attributes and with a change in attitude, could enable him to prioritise his fitness/consistency. One of the few who can deliver under pressure and am interested to see how he bounces back because he is capable of it. Definitely a tricky period in his career and what he does next will decide whether or not be ends up being another talented bowler who could have been so much more.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Naseem was inconsistent but he bowled a brilliant spell after lunch on Day 2.

Yes that was a great spell. I mentioned in the match thread that he was getting similar bounce to Rabada despite having a release point that is almost 7-8 inches lower ! (acc. to ball tracking)

Naseem needs to be in top physical condition and bowl with that level of venom and accuracy for multiple spells and across a whole series.

Otherwise, he is usually just floating it up looking for swing or bowling short and wide and he's absolutely useless.

I think he should stop playing T20's where he is anyway a wicket less non-threat . Should focus on long spells only.

 

[RexRex]

The PCB media team is also to blame here with their low-rent PR tactics to generate clicks like Shaheen giving diapers or whatever to Bumrah.

That was a joke btw, lol at people thinking he really gave diapers...

 

[shaz619]

Yes that was a great spell. I mentioned in the match thread that he was getting similar bounce to Rabada despite having a release point that is almost 7-8 inches lower ! (acc. to ball tracking)

Naseem needs to be in top physical condition and bowl with that level of venom and accuracy for multiple spells and across a whole series.

Otherwise, he is usually just floating it up looking for swing or bowling short and wide and he's absolutely useless.

I think he should stop playing T20's where he is anyway a wicket less non-threat . Should focus on long spells only.

You ask a lot, these blokes would part with everything else before they even begin to think about quitting T20’s.

But quitting Tests ?

No problem sir

 

[Xoib]

At the end of the day, if Shaheen really wanted to play test cricket, I doubt anyone would be able to stop him. He did the same thing in Australia, where he sat out the Sydney test. Mitch Starc, who he is buddies with is 34 and plays every single test match for Australia. He has played 4 in just this test series, and I actually can't even remember the last time he missed a test match in Australia. Meanwhile Shaheen is not even playing in conditions where he would be most suited to take wickets.

That may be true, but Naseem has many attributes that most of our players lack. He is another guy capable of handling pressure and delivering when the chips are down. However, he needs to make a concentrated effort to elevate his fitness and consistency; otherwise, he too will be consigned to the dustbin of history, like the long line of Pakistani fast bowlers who had talent but were too mediocre to make anything of it.

There is a clear difference in Shaheen interest in red ball cricket after his wedding I think Afridi Sr has gotten this in to his head that legacies are not defined by test cricket it’s ICC white ball championships that makes people remember you and T 20 leagues that build your bank as this is what Afridi himself followed
Shaheen in 21 was bowling so well in test cricket yes it was not against Aus or England but the way he was bowling you were certain he would find success vs big sides aswell when he’s up against them but the moment he got married there were clear signs that he was no longer chasing test cricket glory

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Yes that was a great spell. I mentioned in the match thread that he was getting similar bounce to Rabada despite having a release point that is almost 7-8 inches lower ! (acc. to ball tracking)

Naseem needs to be in top physical condition and bowl with that level of venom and accuracy for multiple spells and across a whole series.

Otherwise, he is usually just floating it up looking for swing or bowling short and wide and he's absolutely useless.

I think he should stop playing T20's where he is anyway a wicket less non-threat . Should focus on long spells only.

Yeah he definitely needs to stop playing T20Is. His record is pretty poor as it is, and I don't see the point because we have seen that playing multiple formats does affect your bowling. Especially when your team does not play as many test matches as it is.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

That was a joke btw, lol at people thinking he really gave diapers...

Hahaha I guess I did question it initially but since you said it in such a non-sarcastic manner I thought that was what he actually gave him.

In hindsight probably should have thought about it more.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

There is a clear difference in Shaheen interest in red ball cricket after his wedding I think Afridi Sr has gotten this in to his head that legacies are not defined by test cricket it’s ICC white ball championships that makes people remember you and T 20 leagues that build your bank as this is what Afridi himself followed
Shaheen in 21 was bowling so well in test cricket yes it was not against Aus or England but the way he was bowling you were certain he would find success vs big sides aswell when he’s up against them but the moment he got married there were clear signs that he was no longer chasing test cricket glory

I am sure the presence of Sr. Afridi has had significant influence on Shaheen and his approach to cricket. Sr. Afridi for me, was the biggest con-man in Pakistan cricket. A guy who coasted on his marketability, star power and media connections despite being an utterly rubbish match-losing tailender for most of his career, and yet, somehow the casual fan always thought that the match would be won whenever he came to crease. Maybe he was the perfect cricketer for the modern T20 lover, but anyone who actually followed his career knows that besides teh 2009 T20 WC and certain outstanding individual performances, he was an utterly useless cricketer. I am sure Sr. Afridi has filled his head with all sorts of ideas about how he can be a "star" adored by the masses, rather than a cricketer of substance whose record speaks for itself.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

There is a clear difference in Shaheen interest in red ball cricket after his wedding I think Afridi Sr has gotten this in to his head that legacies are not defined by test cricket it’s ICC white ball championships that makes people remember you and T 20 leagues that build your bank as this is what Afridi himself followed
Shaheen in 21 was bowling so well in test cricket yes it was not against Aus or England but the way he was bowling you were certain he would find success vs big sides aswell when he’s up against them but the moment he got married there were clear signs that he was no longer chasing test cricket glory

I just hope that the Afridi effect doesn't lead to Shaheen retiring and coming back from retirement 9876879 times.

In general, he is an awful influence. The only thing he can give good advice on is how to politick, because he himself was a master politician.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Will say this about Shaheen though. When he is pumped up and bowling well, he is a sight to behold. You see that old 'badtameez' fast-bowler attitude that you saw in the greatest Pakistani pacemen. I hope we get to see more of that from him.

 

[Farabi]

Yhe reason is SA took us lightly , they announced their squads with lot of rotation and young players. It went according to plan when SA won T20 series. However the upside down rollercoaster in ODIS left SA Butt hurt and reeling in a compromised position therefore the sledging and anger in Tests.

I am not sure where these comments originate from. Do you guys put ear plugs on or eye masks. SA fielded their best possible available 11 in ODIs, with Nortje, Maharaj as the only first choice players missing from that team due to fitness. They tried their best in ODIs but still lost.
It’s T20Is where they forced to rotate because of the clash with SL test series.

 

[Farabi]

If he was insisting on it I agree no one would stop him, but then for him to underperform and bowl at a similar pace as Abbas would be futile, I don’t know what his recent success in SA could be attributed to, the rest he was suddenly given, him putting more pressure on his knees and bowling freely or a change in his desires with a new captain etc. It’s a catch 22 for Pakistan fans because you don’t know which Shaheen you’re going to get / what his ceiling is in Tests, but ultimately the management need to utilise their resources better.

He has all the attributes and with a change in attitude, could enable him to prioritise his fitness/consistency. One of the few who can deliver under pressure and am interested to see how he bounces back because he is capable of it. Definitely a tricky period in his career and what he does next will decide whether or not be ends up being another talented bowler who could have been so much more.

You can see some workload management happening, for example Shaheen and Naseem were rested through the Zimbabwe series. Naseem was rested through the T20I series, and so forth. So this plays a role.

This is a welcome change.

Also, the outswing in Aus ODI series by Shaheen, as well as reverse swing in SA ODI series were net new skills displayed by him. These new skills played a big role in his recent success, and should help in test cricket as well.

 

[sweep_shot]

I think one of the reasons is these Saffer players are new to the scene. They haven't faced many teams (including Pakistan) much. So, they are okay to do sledging.

If players know each other well, they generally don't sledge each other (Warner and Shaheen, for example).

 

[Devadwal]

Pakistan team is full of cowardly players who can just laugh after being humiliated.

No pakistan player can take on anyone if someone try to sledge to the apposition means that player will look like Buffon due to not understanding what is the sledging .recent examples is kamran .

 

[Devadwal]

As i already said in bold prediction thread , pakistan fans will be more crying in 2025 about IPL, BCCI= ICC .etc

It just started from first hour of the new year .

Keep crying i love it more when pakistan fans are crying about indian cricket.

KG answered in a language they understood and well done to him. This is way better than The pathetic Aussie team that couldn't show any backbone after a midget barged their player. IPL contracts are too important and dignity comes 2nd

 

[kron]

KG answered in a language they understood and well done to him. This is way better than The pathetic Aussie team that couldn't show any backbone after a midget barged their player. IPL contracts are too important and dignity comes 2nd

Yea I finally likes the fighting spirit from pakiatan. More abuse pleaseeee

Please mock and abuse the saffers. This is why shoaib was needed.

He used used say, I hope you dint get hurt by the bouncers cause I have more coming for your. Lmao

 

[Nasty Naz]

This era of players have been mostly a wholesome group and I can see why it gets on people's nerves but hard to act tough when you win little and routinely get annihilated in SENA.

Just sayin' but hard to act tough with your chest out when your team is rubbish and most of the players can't even speak English to do any sledging. Before Pakistan won the Test series vs England, it was an absolute horror show. Since then they've won vs England, won an ODI series vs Australia, whitewashed ODI vs SA so this gives you some confidence and some swag.

It was fun to see and I hope we see an attitude change because I do not want to see our bowlers getting slapped for 4 & 6's and smiling it off like it's no thing. Show some intensity and if another team takes a go at you, don't back down from the challenge but rise to meet it.

 

[moghul]

It's about time Pakistan developed a backbone!

Not when your players are elementary school drops out and of low level cricketers , unlike Pakistani cricketers from previous generation.

 

[Buffet]

Missed a facinating test match between SA and Pakistan due to travel. Hope to see another thrilling contest between these two teams.

Did SA tail play well or Pakistan bowled poorly? From score card, it seems Pakistan should have closed the match.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Missed a facinating test match between SA and Pakistan due to travel. Hope to see another thrilling contest between these two teams.

Did SA tail play well or Pakistan bowled poorly? From score card, it seems Pakistan should have closed the match.

Day 5 was a thriller. you did miss the Abbas Masterclass and Shan's below average captaincy.

 

[Bewal Express]

As i already said in bold prediction thread , pakistan fans will be more crying in 2025 about IPL, BCCI= ICC .etc

It just started from first hour of the new year .

Keep crying i love it more when pakistan fans are crying about indian cricket.

We aren't the ones accusing anyone of losing tests deliberately. We aren't moaning about a caught behind that was so obvious even Steve Wonder could have given it.

 

[Devadwal]

We aren't the ones accusing anyone of losing tests deliberately. We aren't moaning about a caught behind that was so obvious even Steve Wonder could have given it.

No one accused pakistan for losing the test certainly not me because I know Pakistan cricket team Okat

They cant win any test in Southern hemisphere and i created a thread on this losing streaks so how can they deliberately lost ??

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Good to see. Pakistan have finally grown some self-respect as a team unlike in earlier times, when they used to fawn over the opposition. I still remember Afridi gifting Bumrah a box of diapers after the former's baby was born

View attachment 149153

There was a time when Pakistan was one of the most unpopular and hated teams in cricket. Imran Khan actually picked players on character rather than talent, a prime example being Saleem Yousuf, a wicketkeeper who came to England and was laughed at initially for his somewhat clumsy wicketkeeping, but then kept winning matches with the bat, and taking all the catches that mattered.

He was a very spiky character, as was Aquib Javed the bowler, along with the likes of Miandad. Pakistan went through a phase of very bad press during the Imran/Miandad years, their reputations were not great as far as behaviour was concerned. But they won a lot of matches.

The Pakistan cricketers of the 2000's play like they have one eye on what the world will think about them rather than winning games. Their whole purpose seems to be to please outsiders, whereas at one time they used to literally not give a damn.