Afridi responsible for one-run defeat against SA: Sohail

Karachi: Former captain and chief selector, Aamir Sohail has lambasted senior all-rounder Shahid Afridi for being responsible for Pakistan`s stunning one-run defeat to South Africa in the first one-day international in Dubai.

Clearly upset with the shock defeat last night and the batting collapse, Sohail blamed Afridi for the defeat. "Afridi could have won the game for Pakistan because when he came into bat, the match was as good as won," he said. "When he was at the crease, Pakistan needed just ten runs from nearly six overs and I just don`t see the logic behind his decision to play the shot he played at that time," he added. Afridi holed out to deep mid-wicket while trying to hoist leg spinner, Imran Tahir for a big six with Pakistan closing in on victory. "All our batsmen played irresponsibly but Afridi disappointed because he has played so much international cricket that he should know what to do in such situation. Afridi should have realised what his responsibility was." Former fast bowler Sarfraz Nawaz also held Afridi, a veteran of 363 ODIs, responsible for Pakistan`s defeat, adding that he needed to be `rested` now. "It seems that only Misbah-ul-Haq is in form and the rest of the batsmen are there for nothing," he said. Pakistan will play their next ODI against South Africa on November 1. Former Test player and coach, Mohsin Khan advised the players to get over the shock defeat and try to win the series. "It was plain irresponsible batting and it appeared as if there was no one in the dressing room advising and cautioning the incoming batsmen what to do," he said. Mohsin said Pakistan was still a stronger side in the one-day format than South Africa and could win the series if the players showed more mental strength and played the remaining four matches with a killer instinct.