Pakistani Test and ODI captain Misbah ul-Haq has admitted that some 'relaxed' shots had cost them the first one-day international against South Africa in Sharjah on Wednesday, which they lost by a single run.
Pakistan, chasing a modest 184 to win, were cruising along nicely at 165-4 but lost their last six wickets, three of which were scalped by leg-spinner Imran Tahir, for just 17 runs off 39 balls to be bowled out for 182 in 46.3 overs
According to Sport24, Misbah expressed disappointment at the loss, especially when victory seemed so close, saying that they could not handle the pressure, adding that some relaxed shots cost them the match.
Misbah further said that batting spoiled the game when they should have focused on staying on the field till the last run was scored, although he added that they have to forget the game and improve their performance for the next one.
Despite the combined efforts of Pakistani off-spinner Saeed Ajmal (4-30) and leg-spinner Shahid Afridi (3-37), which bowled out South Africa in the final over, the tourists made a remarkable comeback to turn what seemed certain defeat into a victory, which gave them a 1-0 lead in the five-match series with the second match in Dubai on Friday.
The report mentioned that Man of the Match Wayne Parnell starred with both bat and ball, hitting a career best 56 before taking 3-41 in his eight overs.