Shahid Afridi has a perfect response to Sarfraz Ahmed's 'lack of pace' statement

Former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi has some words of advice for his country as its struggles in South Africa continues. Sarfraz Ahmed and his teammates have been thoroughly outplayed by the Proteas in the first two Tests. Consequently, Pakistan have already conceded the three-match series and are now on the verge of suffering a humiliating whitewash.

In four innings so far, Pakistan have managed to cross the 200-run mark just once. The tourists gave the hosts some fight in the series-opener but did not look in contention at all in the second. Batting first, Pakistan could only manage to post 177. In reply, the hosts piled up 431 with skipper Faf du Plessis scoring a stunning ton. Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma and Quinton de Kock also scored fifties to guide their team to a huge total. In the second innings, Pakistan did slightly better, scoring 294 to set South Africa a paltry 41-run target. The home side went on to win the game by 9 wickets.

Following the game, skipper Sarfraz had rued the big difference between Pakistan pacers and South Africa’s. The wicketkeeper-batsman said that the lack of pace with which Pakistan had bowled “won’t get you wickets” on the track that was on offer for the second Test in Cape Town.

“If you talk about our bowling and their bowling, I think there’s a big difference in the two,” Sarfraz said. “The way our bowlers are bowling is not up to the mark in this Test match. If you see our bowlers, they’re bowling 128-129, and the average speed is 130, while their bowlers are bowling at 145. If you are going to bowl with that lack of pace here you won’t get wickets.

Afridi’s advise

Ahead of the third Test, Afridi wished the side luck for the upcoming games as well as the succeeding ODI series. The legendary all-rounder also opined that Pakistan could try out their forgotten man Wahab Riaz if the current bowlers are not being able to do the task. Riaz’s last Test appearance had come during the home series against Australia last year. He was not a part of the squad that lost to New Zealand at home.

“Good luck for the ODIs and third Test against S. Africa to team Pakistan. I feel that if pace is what we are lacking we should try and give a chance to Wahab Riaz in the squad. All the best Pakistan!,” wrote Afridi.

Good luck for the ODIs and third Test against S. Africa to team Pakistan. I feel that if pace is what we are lacking we should try and give a chance to Wahab Riaz in the squad. All the best Pakistan! 🇵🇰

— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) January 9, 2019

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