After suffering consecutive defeats in both the T20I and ODI series against New Zealand, Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan admitted that the team failed in both the batting and bowling departments. He expressed disappointment over missing crucial opportunities to win matches in recent games.
Speaking after the second ODI loss, Rizwan highlighted that Pakistan has been struggling in the first 10 overs of both batting and bowling, which has played a significant role in their defeats.
“Conditions here are challenging, but we cannot use them as an excuse for our losses. Our bowlers failed to generate swing, whereas the New Zealand bowlers executed their plans perfectly,” Rizwan said.
Despite the heavy defeat, Rizwan praised Faheem Ashraf and Naseem Shah for their fighting knocks.
- Naseem Shah scored a crucial 51 runs.
- Faheem Ashraf was the top scorer with 73 runs.
Before the ODI series, Pakistan also lost the five-match T20I series 4-1. Their only win came in the third T20I, where they defeated New Zealand by nine wickets.
In the ODI series, Pakistan faced back-to-back defeats:
- 1st ODI: Pakistan lost by 73 runs.
- 2nd ODI: Pakistan lost by 84 runs.
With New Zealand already having sealed the series, the third and final ODI will be played on April 5 in Mount Maunganui, where Pakistan will look to salvage some pride.
