PORT ELIZABETH, Dec 12: South African captain Shaun Pollock said his team had been outplayed in every department after their record defeat to Pakistan in the second One-day International here Wednesday.

Having conceded more runs than ever before in 50 overs, South Africa could only reply to Pakistan’s 335 for six with 153 all out.

“When you’re chasing a huge score like that you tend to either get close or get bowled out cheaply. There’s no point in aiming for 280, you have to try to make the score but we just couldn’t get any partnerships going,” Pollock said after the match.

“Obviously we didn’t play well but they did and they deserve a lot of credit, particularly the two batsmen who put the partnership together,” Pollock said.

Opener Salim Elahi (135) and all rounder Abdul Razzaq (112) posted 257 runs for the second wicket.

“We would be even more disappointed if the result had anything to do with complacency from our side but I don’t believe it did.

“It just puts into perspective how good this Pakistan team can be. Remember they did beat Australia in Australia earlier this year,” Pollock said.

South Africa could well play a World Cup semifinal at St George’s Park should they progress that far but Pollock was unconcerned.

“If you reach a World Cup semifinal it really doesn’t matter what has happened before, it’s what happens on the day. I’m not worried about that. But if somebody manages to score 330 in a World Cup semi-final then that really would be a big ask!” Pollock said.

Pakistan skipper Waqar Younis was surprisingly subdued after his team’s massive victory but praised the twin centurions.

Asked what special methods of motivation he had used to inspire his men, Waqar replied: “I told them to enjoy themselves.”—Reuters