Pakistan white-ball captain Mohammad Rizwan feels that the country's culture is behind the team's unpredictable record.
In the virtual semi-final of the tri-nation series at Karachi, Pakistan chased down 353 against South Africa. This is also the seventh-biggest successful chase in men’s ODIs and the biggest ever for Pakistan. Rizwan (122 not out in 128 balls, nine fours, three sixes) led from the front, stitching a record 260-run stand with vice-captain Salman Ali Agha (134 in 103 balls, 16 fours, two sixes).
From losing a Test series at home against Bangladesh to winning a historic ODI series in Australia after 22 years, Pakistan have time and again lived up to their somewhat cliched tag of being 'unpredictable' as a team. The record chase against South Africa was another instance of that.
Rizwan: Our culture has always been like this
Speaking at a press conference after the win, Rizwan was asked about his side's unpredictable nature, and pointed to Pakistan's 'cultural problems' to explain: "The answer to this is very long because the unpredictability factor is mainly due to our culture. It's always been the case. Our kids don't know what to do in life."
"So if you look at our cricket, whether it's Australia, Zimbabwe or even today, there has always been this unpredictability. It's a rarity that we win games one-sided. We are putting the efforts, but this is not our cricket's fault alone, our culture has always been like this. Even our kids future is unpredictable."
Riding on that win, Pakistan eliminated South Africa from the race to the tri-nation final. It was the second time in three days that South Africa lost after racking up 300 runs as they had also failed to defend 304 against New Zealand. Pakistan are facing New Zealand in the final on Friday (February 14).
Faheem Ashraf makes an ODI comeback after 17 months.
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) February 14, 2025
He has been named in Pakistan's XI for the tri-series final against New Zealand.
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The tri-series is a buildup to the 2025 Champions Trophy, which starts on February 19. The tournament will be held in a hybrid model, with the UAE hosting India's matches, and Pakistan hosting the rest of the tournament. The decision was taken due to India’s longstanding policy of not touring their neighbours due to strained bilateral relations.
