Pakistan named a new-look T20I squad for the five-T20I series on New Zealand soil. Salman Agha was named captain whereas Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam and Naseem Shah did not find a place. In the first T20I they were bowled out for 91 and then were beaten comprehensively in rain-marred second T20I as well. In the third T20I, they lived up to the aggressive brand of cricket their captain promised before the series. Pakistan chased down a total of 205 in just 16 overs, breaking the record for fastest 200-plus run chase in T20Is. Hasan Nawaz overcame two consecutive ducks to smash fastest T20I century by a Pakistan batter. Babar and Rizwan took to Instagram to laud their team for remaining alive in the series.
'Well played Hasan Nawaz and Team Pakistan (star, high five and clap emojis)," Rizwan wrote.
"Proud of you boys," Babar reacted to the record-breaking win.
Meanwhile, captain Salman who scored an unbeaten half-century in the run chase took a dig at the critics saying that this team is not in New Zealand for statistics but to win. He asked for support and lauded openers Hasan, Mohammad Haris for a record-breaking start.
"My boys aren’t just here to make up the numbers. This is an inexperienced team, but it’s a winners team if you back them. It’s your team, if you give them the support they need. Alhamdulillah for the win, much needed in keeping the series alive. Very, very well played Hasan and Haris," Salman wrote on X.
What Salman said in post-match presentation
In the post-match presentation, he was all praises for Nawaz as well. He made it clear that the youngsters will do well if they get the backing. He also praised the bowlers for restricting New Zealand for 204 in conditions which favoured the batters.
"Outstanding performance. Proper game we have played, the bowlers started really well and then the two youngsters batted really well. If you back the youngsters they will do well like today. 200 is a par score on this, good wicket and I just said to the guys we can chase this down if you bat well," Salman said in the post-match presentation.
"The bowlers did really well, restricting them to 200 was a very good effort from the bowlers and I'm very happy. It was do or die and we just wanted to go out and enjoy ourselves today. Looking forward to the next game as well," he added.
Babar, Rizwan's return
The next match in the T20I series will be played on March 23 at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui. Senior players Babar and Rizwan will be back in action when the ODI series begins on March 29 at McLean Park, Napier.