Pakistan’s head coach also assured the fans that the think-tank was aware of the conditions that the team will encounter in the 2027 ODI World Cup – to be jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia – and will plan their preparations accordingly.

The pitch, which played slow and low, was heavily criticised, as the next World Cup, almost 16 months away, is expected to be played in conditions more conducive for fast bowling. South Africa – where majority of the matches will be played, including the final – has a reputation for producing fast and bouncy pitches. But, Hesson, in a post on X, said that it would not be true for all venues.

“I’ve been hearing a bit of chatter about the pitches here in Pakistan not being the ideal preparation for the World Cup in South Africa,” his post said. “Firstly, the World Cup is jointly hosted in (sic) South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Zimbabwe and Namibia have venues where spin is a big factor and we will be playing matches in those countries.

“The myth of all pitches in South Africa being quick and bouncy are (sic) just not true, there are definitely some which are but they also vary throughout the country.”

Pakistan recorded a 3-0 ODI clean sweep in South Africa when they last toured the country in December 2024. Their spinners delivered the win in the opening game at Paarl as they took seven of the eight wickets taken by the bowlers, with Salman Ali Agha’s 4 for 32 being the standout figures. Left-arm wrist spinner Sufiyan Muqeem took 4 for 52 in the last match at Johannesburg as Pakistan won that contest by 36 runs (DLS method).

Hesson reflected on that series and said: “Those that remember the last ODI series Pakistan played in SA which included Paarl where spin dictated the outcome of the match. Rest assured we have competed significant research and will be using the next 18 months to prepare for a variety of conditions.”

Babar’s presence made things easier for me: Ghori

“They may be without their regulars, but this is an Australian side after all,” Ghori said on the sidelines of team’s practice session on the eve of the second ODI. “They will look to bounce back and they must have prepared well for this match. We will have to continue to do well to keep a hold on the series.”

Ghazi scored 65 off 92 balls – his highest List A score – batting at number four. He walked in to bat in the 13th over with the scoreboard reading 49 for two as Pakistan chased a meagre 201. The chase, however, was never going to be straightforward with the pitch continuing to offer more for spinners and becoming uneven. But the presence of an experienced batter in Babar, who top-scored with 69 off 94, at the other end made things easier for Ghori.

“Babar Azam had been batting before I went in the middle and he told me about the conditions,” Ghori said. “It gives you a lot of confidence when you have a senior batter with you in the middle. Babar is a proven performer and his presence at the crease made things easier for me. He took the onus on himself and told me that I should focus on rotating the strike and it was okay for me to consume dot balls in the process. The situation demanded from us to rotate the strike and punish the bad balls, which we did.”