South African head coach Mark Boucher admitted that South Africa lacked match awareness in terms of being ruthless and ended up costing the side after they lost the 2-match Test series to Pakistan 0-2.
South Africa, on Monday, was beaten by Pakistan by 95 runs in the second Test to complete the white-wash in the two-match Test series.
Chasing a target of 370, South Africa were all out for 270 on the final day of the Test as Pakistan registered their first Test series win over South Africa since 2003.
Hasan Ali took a match haul of 10 wickets while Shaheen Afridi took five wickets in the match to help the home side conquer the Quinton de Kock led South Africa.
Reflecting on the loss South African head coach Mark Boucher said that South Africa lacked match awareness and didn't take their chances which ultimately cost them the game.
"The way we played in big moments really cost us. Our match awareness of when to tighten the screws was lacking. That is the reason why we lost the game. We didn't bat well, didn't field well but our bowling stood out. We created opportunities, we just didn't take them.
"That cost us, in this game alone, about 150 runs. If we had taken those catches, we would have them 76 for 7, and maybe bowled them out for 120, chased 220, and won the game," Mark Boucher told ESPNCricinfo.
Boucher further said although there are some issues with the Proteas batsmen's techniques, the problems with mental preparation are more glaring.
"It is more mental. Maybe there are some technical issues in guys are getting out in the same sorts of ways every time but we are continuously looking at little technical things that we can improve on.
"There are lots of scars from past tours to the subcontinent. Some guys who have had technical issues in the past, like Aiden Markram spent time at the crease and were able to fight their way through it. It is more mental than anything else." he said.
However, before the start of the second Test Mark Boucher had confirmed that wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock would no longer be the Test skipper.
PAK v SA 2021: De Kock to be relieved from Test captaincy; saddened by CA postponing tour: Boucher
Addressing the same Boucher said that time is right to appoint someone looking at the long-term goals.
"We have got a bit of time now. We have got time to make a non-emotional, smart decision on the way forward. If it is looking at someone else to do that job, the time is probably now. We have got a bit of time and we can give that guy a few months to get his way in and listen to what thoughts he's got," he concluded.
Pakistan and South Africa are now set to lock horns with each other in the three-match T20I series, which is set to begin on February 11.
(ANI inputs)
