3 Positives for Pakistan from the South Africa Test series

Having suffered a Test series defeat against New Zealand in UAE, Pakistan had a big task ahead of them as they played South Africa away from home. Coming into the hosts' country, Pakistan knew that they would have to face the music and get better at the longer format.

To nobodies surprise, the hosts dominated the whole Test series with ease. Pakistan had to face the venomous bowling of South African pacers including a new face, Duanne Olivier. And they, most of the time, failed to cope with short balls.

The absence of Lungi Ngidi from the squad due to injury proved blessing in disguise. The man who wasn't supposed play a single game turned out to be the man of the series for South Africa.

Olivier troubled Pakistani batsmen, most of all Azhar Ali, to help his team getting the upper hand. He bagged 24 wickets in three Tests and deservedly was awarded man of the series.

The two seniors of the team, Azhar Ali and Asad Shafiq, who were pegged to be the replacements of Misbah ul Haq and Younis Khan, didn't step up in the series. Asad Shafiq did hit some good runs bit couldn't carry on from that.

No Pakistani batsman hit a century on this tour which resulted in the horrible whitewash. Amidst those crises, two Pakistan batsman, Babar Azam and Shan Masood, showed seniors the way. Though Pakistan has not won a Test series in 9 months but here the few positives Pakistan can carry forward in the future.

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#1 Run-rate

It was an obvious assumption that Pakistan were to struggle in South Africa due to their low run-rate. But to everyone's surprise, in South Africa Pakistan's batsmen maintained it over 3 runs per over easily in the series, mostly touching 4 runs per over.

The problem for Pakistan was in the quick fall of wickets. Pakistan could not keep up the momentum as they lost wickets in quick succession, but their run-rate was a thing they'll want to carry on with.

#2 Shan Masood and Babar Azam's command

South Africa v Pakistan - Second Test

Shan Masood's inclusion in the squad received criticism from experts and fans alike. The issue being, he did nothing extraordinary when he played for Pakistan in the past despite having a good FC average. In fact, his technique was being questioned by many. Similarly, Babar Azam, who had a lone century in Tests, was deemed to be just an ODI and T20 player.

Both proved their critics wrong and played good individual innings in the series. Shan Masood rectified his technique in the domestic matches and worked with coaches to come back strong. He was probably the only player who took the short balls from South African pacers on and played beautifully.

On the other hand, Babar Azam played calmly and produced boundaries against the strong bowling attack comprising of Dale Steyn, Kagiso Rabada and Vernon Philander. Commentator Mark Nicholas, even compared him with two of the game's greats - AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli. He, surely, showed why he's considered Pakistan's future.

#3 Shadab's tale extension

South Africa v Pakistan - 3rd Test

Pakistan had to go with Shadab Khan after Yasir Shah went through an injury. In a series where spinners didn't get any recognition, Shadab too was not in the wickets column. Apart from an important wicket of Hashim Amla in 2nd Test, he looked rusty in the bowling and couldn't get much help from the pitch.

The thing which was encouraging for him was his batting in the 2nd innings of the last match. Though it was close to impossible for Pakistan to win a match needing 100+ runs with only 1 wicket remaining, but cricket fraternity saw a glimpse of what he's capable of in that innings of 47. He tried to play his shots whenever he could. Faheem Ashraf and Shadab also partnered to give their team some valuable runs at the backend against England and Ireland last year. After getting good control over his variations in bowling, he can be a good prospect for Pakistan in the longer format too.