“We were about 10 short,” said Proteas skipper, Heinrich Klaasen, in his assessment of the third T20 between South Africa and Pakistan at SuperSport Park, in which Pakistan chased down 204 in 18 overs with nine wickets to spare, thanks to a magnificent 122 off 59 from Babar Azam, and an unbeaten 73 off 47 from Mohammad Rizwan. 

“It was difficult from a captaincy point of view,” said Klaasen, given that Azam and Rizwan “made a lot of good balls look bad with very good placement and strokeplay.” SuperSport Park has a history of being a difficult ground to defend on, and tonight was no exception for the Proteas. “I will go back tonight and do a lot of homework, and see where we can improve,” said Klaasen. 

Asked whether he should have used Andile Phehlukwayo as a bowling option, Klaasen explained, “His confidence is a little bit low but he’s picking it up. I had no need for him tonight.” 

Critical of South Africa’s fielding effort, Klaasen said, “We strive not to be so bad. Maybe it’s guys trying too hard and not being calm enough in the field. It’s something we will address.” 

While there have been questions regarding selection of the South African team, Klaasen argued, “I don’t feel the need to change the team. We need some consistency in the selection part as well.” 

Whereas it could be said that more wicket-taking options would help the team, Klaasen said it was difficult to take wickets on this surface because the ball was coming on well onto the bat, the slower balls were not gripping. A defensive strategy involving building pressure on Pakistan was the best way to contain them, but they could not because of Azam and Rizwan’s dominant batting.