Special Correspondent
South Africa’s stand-in captain Aiden Markram has praised his side’s fighting spirit despite a 93-run defeat to Pakistan in the opening Test at the Gaddafi Stadium, admitting that his team needs to “tidy up a few small moments” before the second Test in Rawalpindi.
Speaking after the match, Markram reflected on the four-day contest that saw Pakistan dominate with spin and discipline, while South Africa—despite flashes of resistance—struggled for consistency.
“There was some good stuff over the few days that we played,” Markram said. “I thought there were really good signs with both bat and ball, but we have a bit to learn, and we need to clean up our game and come back better in the next match. It came down to a few small moments.”
Markram highlighted the key first-innings partnerships between Shan Masood and Imam-ul-Haq, and later Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha, as turning points that swung the momentum towards Pakistan.
“We bowled well and had good plans, but their partnerships were really good. They played the sweep shots and rotated the strike well, which made it difficult to control the scoring. Those extra runs added up and proved decisive,” he noted.
“Proud of the fight” despite defeat
The South African skipper said he was proud of how his team continued to fight until the end despite the challenging subcontinental conditions.
“It’s one thing we pride ourselves on—never throwing in the towel, never giving up,” Markram said. “Although we weren’t on the right side of the result, the boys showed fight and resilience. That’s a box you always want to tick as a team.”
He dismissed suggestions that losing the toss had cost his side the game.
“You never come to win the toss; you come to win the game,” he said. “Conditions were tricky throughout. It was good to bat in the first session, but spin and low bounce made things difficult later. We just needed to capitalize better when we were in.”
Praise for Muthusamy and De Zorzi
Markram was full of praise for Senuran Muthusamy, who claimed a career-best 11 wickets in the match, and Tony de Zorzi, who scored a century in the first innings.
“Sen is exceptional. He works incredibly hard, bowls lots of balls, and takes his practice seriously. It’s no surprise he’s reaping the rewards,” Markram said. “And Tony’s innings was superb—showing great composure in tough conditions. I’m really happy for both of them.”
Looking ahead to Rawalpindi
The captain said he expected similar conditions in Rawalpindi and was satisfied with the team’s balance in Lahore, which featured two pacers and three specialist spinners.
“I don’t think conditions in Pindi will be too different,” he said. “I was happy with the balance we had. We’ll get there and assess, but the idea is to keep improving and find ways to win, no matter the surface.”
He also hinted that Keshav Maharaj, returning from injury, could be available for selection.
“That’s the plan,” Markram confirmed. “We’re keeping our fingers crossed he’ll be good to go.”
Learning from the loss
Summing up South Africa’s approach, Markram said the defeat should be viewed as part of a learning curve early in the WTC cycle.
“You can’t win everything. We gave it our all and were on the wrong side of the result. If the opposition is better over four days, you tip your cap to them and move on,” he said. “It’s about identifying key moments, winning them, and being sharper next time.”
With Pakistan leading the two-match series 1-0, the second and final Test begins in Rawalpindi later this week.
