Mount Maunganui: Pakistan’s middle-order batter Abdul Samad emphasized the importance of learning and committed to improving as a team after suffering a significant 115-run defeat in the fourth T20I against New Zealand here on Sunday.
Chasing a daunting total of 221, Pakistan’s batting order collapsed under the pressure, getting bowled out for only 105 runs.
Pakistan team encountered early difficulties, losing their top three batters within just two overs. Openers Mohammad Haris (2), Hasan Nawaz (1), and skipper Salman Ali Agha (1) were dismissed in quick succession.
After this shaky start, the Pakistan team struggled to recover in their chase against New Zealand.
Their vice-captain, Shadab Khan, fell for a mere one run in the fourth over, leaving the team in deep trouble with a score of 26-4 after just 4.1 overs.
The Men in Green lost wickets regularly against a well-disciplined New Zealand bowling attack and were ultimately bowled out for a modest total in 16.2 overs.
Abdul Samad, who was the only bright spot with 44 off 30 deliveries in an otherwise poor batting performance, commented on the change in conditions after the first innings.
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“We noticed things were different here as we did not get much help while bowling first; no swing or seam but when we were batting, things became evidently different. So, that was also a part of our learning stage,” said Samad during the post-match press conference.
The 28-year-old stated that everybody knew the conditions were unfavorable for them.
Abdul Samad explained that the rationale behind selecting a young team for the tour was to test their potential, hoping to deliver good results in the future.
“Everybody knows that the conditions here are not favorable for us. But the idea of selecting a team young team for this tour is to test the talent. It was a challenge for us [youngsters] and we accepted it, ” he remarked.
“By the will of Almighty Allah, there will be more improvement in the upcoming matches. We are improving day by day.”
“So we are developing into a team and will deliver good results in the future,” he concluded.
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