Tarouba: Pakistan red-ball head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed has expressed disappointment over his team’s performance in the first Test against the West Indies and indicated that changes to the playing XI are being considered ahead of the second Test.
Speaking at a post-match press conference, Sarfaraz said Pakistan’s batting performance had fallen well below expectations, particularly in the second innings.
“Our batting disappointed us. Our batting line-up often fails in the second innings,” the Pakistan head coach said while analysing the team’s 90-run defeat.
Sarfaraz noted that Pakistan missed a crucial opportunity to gain control of the match in the first innings. He said the team should have secured a first-innings lead and believed opener Imam-ul-Haq was well set before losing his wicket.
“Imam-ul-Haq was batting well. Had he shown a little more patience, we could have taken the lead,” he remarked.
The coach also pointed to the third day’s play as a turning point in the contest. He said the 61-run partnership for the West Indies’ eighth wicket proved costly and should not have been allowed, particularly given the conditions.
“That partnership should not have happened because the pitch was offering assistance to the fast bowlers,” Sarfaraz said.
Defending the team’s selection strategy, he explained that Pakistan had correctly assessed the conditions before the match and therefore opted to field five specialist bowlers.
“We read the pitch correctly, which is why we went in with five bowlers. We hope to make a strong comeback in the second Test,” he added.
When asked about possible team changes, Sarfaraz indicated that Saud Shakeel and Abdullah Shafique were both under consideration for the next match.
“We will look to give opportunities to Saud Shakeel and Abdullah Shafique, but the final decision will depend on the conditions,” he said.
Pakistan suffered a 90-run defeat in the opening Test of the two-match series, allowing the West Indies to take a 1-0 lead.
Chasing a target of 211 runs, Pakistan were bowled out for 120 in their second innings. The batting collapse was particularly concerning, with eight batters failing to reach double figures, leaving the visitors well short of the target.
The defeat has increased pressure on the Pakistan team ahead of the series finale, with the coaching staff expected to review both team selection and batting strategy in an effort to level the series. The second Test will now provide Pakistan with an opportunity to respond and avoid a series defeat against the West Indies.
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