Pakistan vs South Africa: Babar Azam marks his team's performance as 'very disappointing'

NEW DELHI: After Pakistan's narrow defeat against South Africa in the 26th match of the ODI World Cup 2023 at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, Pakistan's captain, Babar Azam, expressed his disappointment in a post-match statement.

During the post-match presentation, Babar Azam stated that the team had come very close to securing a victory against South Africa but were unable to close the game out successfully. He acknowledged that the pacers and spinners had put up a good fight in the game but regretfully, it wasn't enough to secure a win.

"We were very close, we did not finish well. Very disappointing for the whole team. We fought back very well. In the batting, we were 10-15 short. The fast bowlers and spinners fought well but unfortunately, it was not to be. It is part of the game, in DRS it is part of the game. Had he given it out, it would have favoured us. We have an opportunity to win this and stay in the race but not to be. We will try our best in the next 3 matches put in our efforts and play for Pakistan. Let's see where we will stand after that," Babar Azam said.

Babar Azam, along with Saud Shakeel, helped Pakistan post a total of 270 runs in the first inning.

South Africa's Aiden Markram played a pivotal role in the run-chase, scoring 91 runs to keep his side in a favourable position. The game was decided dramatically, with Tabraiz Shamsi sealing the win for South Africa by hitting a boundary at the end.


While Shaheen Afridi led the Pakistani bowling attack by taking three wickets in his 10-over spell, their efforts weren't sufficient to defend the target. Ultimately, South Africa registered a one-wicket win in this closely contested match.

Tabraiz Shamsi was honoured with the Player of the Match award for his four-wicket haul in the first inning. Pakistan remains determined to perform better in their upcoming matches in the ODI World Cup.

(With ANI inputs)