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Following Pakistan’s recent ODI series loss to New Zealand, captain Mohammad Rizwan has emphasized the need for the team’s experienced batsmen to improve their performance during run chases. Pakistan suffered a 3-0 series whitewash, concluding with a defeat at Mount Maunganui, where they failed to chase down a target of 265 runs in 42 overs. Despite a strong start that featured a half-century from Babar Azam, the team collapsed under pressure, losing wickets quickly and allowing New Zealand’s bowlers to take control.
Addressing the media post-match, Rizwan acknowledged the shortfall:
“We definitely need to bring some improvement in that department, there are no excuses there. Our ability to finish games is lagging, which is why I think we’re not able to produce results.”
The series saw underwhelming performances from key players: Babar Azam accumulated 129 runs across three matches, Rizwan himself managed 72, and opener Imam-ul-Haq contributed minimally before retiring hurt in the final game.
This ODI series defeat adds to a string of disappointing outcomes for Pakistan, including a 4-1 loss in the preceding T20 series against New Zealand and a winless campaign in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 as hosts. Reflecting on these patterns, Rizwan noted:
“The problem that we’ve had consistently came out during the Champions Trophy and the [preceding] tri-series. If you look at the games we’ve played, we’ve been able to hold the teams till 40 overs. We’re losing the plot after that.”
New Zealand’s stand-in captain, Michael Bracewell, praised his team’s depth and performance:
“Seeing the guys come in and do well is most pleasing and winning the series is an added bonus. It was great to see different guys step up at different times.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What were the main reasons for Pakistan’s failure in the ODI series against New Zealand?
- Inconsistent performances from senior batsmen during run chases and an inability to capitalize on strong starts contributed to Pakistan’s losses.
- Inconsistent performances from senior batsmen during run chases and an inability to capitalize on strong starts contributed to Pakistan’s losses.
- How did Babar Azam perform in the series?
- Babar Azam scored a total of 129 runs across the three matches, including a half-century in the final game.
- Babar Azam scored a total of 129 runs across the three matches, including a half-century in the final game.
- What did Mohammad Rizwan say about the team’s performance?
- Rizwan admitted the team’s shortcomings in finishing games and emphasized the need for improvement among senior batsmen.
- Rizwan admitted the team’s shortcomings in finishing games and emphasized the need for improvement among senior batsmen.
- How has Pakistan performed in recent international tournaments?
- Pakistan has faced a series of defeats, including a 4-1 loss in the T20 series against New Zealand and a winless run in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
- Pakistan has faced a series of defeats, including a 4-1 loss in the T20 series against New Zealand and a winless run in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
- What are the plans for the Pakistan cricket team to address these issues?
- The team management aims to work on enhancing the performance of senior batsmen and improving strategies to successfully complete run chases in future matches.
