Sarfaraz won the toss and chose to field— much against the lessons of the past. Pakistan won against England by batting first, and scoring a mountain of runs in the absence of any pressure.
In the match against Australia Sarfaraz probably thought there were devils in the wicket. As it turned out, despite Amir’s superb bowling, the Australian openers put up a huge opening partnership, proving Sarfaraz not only wrong but also foolish. That Pakistan was able to restrict Australia to 307 shows how well Pakistan bowlers bowled. Amir infact delivered a backhand slap on the face of the Selectors who had dropped him initially from the World Cup squad. Same can be said about Wahab Riaz.
One wishes Sarfaraz learns to be more positive if he alone is responsible for decision-making. If it is Mickey Arther who is in command, it is time to tell him that Pakistan never ever before went victory-less against Australians in so many matches.
It goes to the credit of Hasan Ali and Wahab Riaz (as batsmen!) that Pakistan came close to creating jitters in the Australian dressing room.
But Sarfaraz once again showed his lack of imagination Even when nine wickets were down, statistically Pakistan had a chance. But Sarfaraz chose to give his tailender the strike by taking that ‘stupid’ single.
Not all is lost yet.
By winning four of the remaining five matches, Pakistan can still make it.
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