PAK vs AUS: Mohammad Hafeez Blames 'Inconsistent Umpiring, Technology'; Claims Pakistan Were Better Team At MCG

Pakistan Director of Cricket Mohammad Hafeez opened up about the loss his team faced in the second Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). He said that inconsistent umpiring along with Mohammad Rizwan’s unfair decision cost them the game. 

Pakistan gave their everything to keep the three-match series alive and win the second Test match. The Shan Masood-led side were right on the money with the bat as well as the ball but couldn’t finish off the things well, which potentially was one of the main reasons behind their 79-run loss. 

In the chase of 316 runs, Pakistan at one stage looked like favorites to win the game because of the way some of their players batted. Mohammad Rizwan in particular batted well and was looked set for a big knock but he was on the receiving end of the controversial dismissal. 

Mohammad Rizwan played a huge role in the chase and brought the target to less than 100 but him getting out at a crucial juncture was the turning point. The keeper-batter dodged himself to a short ball by Australia skipper Pat Cummins. 

The keeper-batter was adamant that he didn’t hit the ball but the hotspot showed that the ball touched his glove. His wicket triggered the collapse as Pakistan lost the last 5 wickets for just 18 runs and just in 40 balls.

Mohammad Hafeez admitted that Pakistan made some mistakes but he fumed at the technology for the Mohammad Rizwan’s dismissal. 

Mohammad Hafeez added that technology needs to be addressed rightly as sometimes it doesn’t seem they show actual things. Speaking to reporters, he explained: 

“Yes, we made some mistakes as a team – we will take that, we will address those things, but at the same time I believe inconsistent umpiring, technology curse … really given us a result which should have been different, so I feel like these are areas that need to be addressed rightly.” 

“Not only (the Rizwan) decision but if you see the whole game, the very inconsistent decisions of the umpires. We play this beautiful game of cricket with a natural instinct, and we all know the basics of the game, but sometimes it seems like it’s a technology show, it’s not the cricket we are playing instead.”

PAK vs AUS: Pakistan team played better than the other team, in general – Mohammad Hafeez 

Mohammad Hafeez further fumed at the technology, saying that it is bringing doubts to the game and is making things difficult for fans to understand. 

Mohammad Hafeez concluded by saying that Pakistan played better cricket than Australia. He pointed out that they were ahead of the opposition in terms of intent and bowling. He elaborated: 

“Technology, I’m in favour of that … but if it’s bringing some doubts or bringing some curse into the game, it should not be acceptable. (The ball hitting the stumps) is always out. Why it’s umpire’s call, I’ll never understand that. 

“The fans will never understand why this technology is inconsistent, and the result of the game basically comes up differently. I will sum up – Pakistan team played better than the other team, in general. Our batting intent was better, our bowling was hitting in the right areas.” 

This was Pakistan’s 16th straight loss in the Tests in Australia. They have already lost the series and would be hoping to make a comeback in the last game. The final match of the series will be played on 3rd January at Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).