NEW DELHI: Despite suffering a series-losing 79-run defeat to Australia in the second Test in Melbourne on Friday, Pakistan team director Mohammed Hafeez defended his side, saying the team played better cricket than the hosts.
The defeat was Pakistan’s 16th straight loss in Tests in Australia and amid their losing streak, Hafeez’ remarks drew criticism.
“We played better cricket as a team. I’m proud of that. The way the team had the courage to attack this game in the best possible way. Our batting intent was better, and while bowling, we were hitting the right areas.
“We made some mistakes that cost us the game but as a team I believe that there were a lot of positives, enough to win the game but unfortunately at the end we didn’t win the game,” Hafeez said.
Reacting to Hafeez’ comments, Iceland Cricket took a cheeky swipe at Pakistan team, saying the Aussies have now been lucky 16 times in a row and their luck will run out soon.
“It’s amazing. How can the more talented and superior team have lost 16 matches in a row in Australia? Surely those lucky Aussies will stop being lucky soon,” wrote Iceland Cricket on X.

After the game, Australia skipper Pat Cummins also responded to Hafeez’ remarks saying, “Cool. Yeah, they played well, but glad we got the win. Doesn’t really matter, does it? [if they were the better team]. It matters who wins at the end.”
Australia now have an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
The third and final Test will begin from January 3 in Sydney.