Home
After the 4-1 loss in the five-T20I series, senior pros turned up for the three-ODI series. Mohammad Rizwan-led side could not build on a good start in both the innings and suffered a 73-run loss at McLean Park, Napier on March 29. Captain Rizwan lauded the intent in the mammoth run chase but blamed a momentum shift in three to four overs for the loss.
"We started with good intent with the bat. But at the end, pressure got built. When you're closer to the target, there's more pressure. 3-4 overs changed the momentum," Rizwan said in the post-match presentation.
The target looked achievable till Salman Agha and Babar Azam were at the crease. But Babar's wicket in the 39th over led to a batting collapse. Salman ran out of partners as Pakistan lost seven wickets for just 22 runs. Tayyab Tahir was run out whereas Irfan Khan dragged the ball on to the stumps.
"We have some new guys in the middle order. It's a good challenge to play in these conditions," he added.
Chapman's 132 takes the game away
Rizwan praised Mark Chapman who registered the highest ODI score by a New Zealand batter against Pakistan in difficult conditions. He urged his team to improve after the defeat.
"Pitch was difficult to bat earlier in the morning. Chapman played really well. We need to improve more. Have to take the benefit of the toss," said the wicketkeeper-batter.
Rizwan falls to debutant, makes questionable selection calls
In the run chase, Rizwan scored 30 runs from 34 balls including two fours and a six. He became debutant 21-year-old all-rounder Muhammad Abbas' maiden wicket.
Pakistan did not include a single speciallist spinner in the side. Salman bowled five overs and conceded 67 runs. Meanwhile, Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan Muqeem warmed the benches. Muqeem proved his worth in the last T20I with two wickets from two overs for six runs.
The second ODI will be played at Seddon Park, Hamilton on April 2. Rizwan may look to bolster the spin department instead of going with part-timers.
