ISLAMABAD – Pakistan Red-Ball Team Head Coach Sarfraz Ahmed has hinted at changes to the playing XI for the second Test following his side’s disappointing 90-run defeat to the West Indies in the series opener.
Speaking at a post-match press conference, Sarfaraz expressed disappointment over Pakistan’s batting performance, particularly in the second innings.
“Our batting let us down. Too often, our batting line-up collapses in the second innings,” he said.
The head coach believed Pakistan missed a crucial opportunity to take control of the match after the first innings.
“We should have secured a lead in the first innings. Imam-ul-Haq was batting well, and had he shown a little more patience, we could have gained the advantage,” he added.
Sarfaraz also criticised Pakistan’s bowling on the third day, saying the team allowed the West Indies to build a vital 61-run partnership for the eighth wicket.
“That partnership should not have happened, especially when the pitch was offering assistance to the fast bowlers,” he said.
He defended the decision to field five bowlers, saying the team had read the conditions correctly, and expressed confidence that Pakistan would bounce back in the second Test.
Responding to a question about team selection, Sarfaraz said Saud Shakeel and Abdullah Shafique remain in contention but stressed that the final decision would depend on the match conditions.
The West Indies lead the two-match Test series 1-0 after defeating Pakistan by 90 runs in the opening Test.
Chasing a target of 211, Pakistan were bowled out for just 120 in their second innings, with eight batters failing to reach double figures.
