Pakistan cricket team’s head coach Azhar Mahmood held the batters responsible for the defeat against South Africa in the Rawalpindi Test, saying that the team lost grip on the match due to a batting collapse in the first innings.

Speaking at a post-match press conference in Rawalpindi, Azhar Mahmood said that Pakistan missed crucial opportunities against a strong opponent.

“If you waste chances against a good team, they will dominate,” he remarked.

He added that Pakistani batters need to improve their skills by playing more domestic cricket and gaining experience across different conditions.

“Players will have to play more matches and strengthen themselves through domestic competitions,” he said.

The head coach admitted that Pakistan’s lower order failed to support Salman Ali Agha in the innings, while fielding lapses such as dropped catches and missed stumpings proved costly.

Azhar Mahmood also highlighted the need for better pitches in domestic matches that challenge spinners.

“In domestic cricket, our spinners don’t get enough chances to bowl. We need spin-friendly pitches so that both bowlers and batters can develop,” he said.

Commenting on the visitors, Mahmood praised South Africa’s performance in the Rawalpindi Test.

“They batted well — Mutusamy played a good innings — and their bowlers used their experience effectively,” he noted.

He emphasised that international cricket demands mental toughness, saying Pakistan must learn to play quality spin bowling more effectively to compete at the top level.