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HAMILTON: Pakistan cricketers, including Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Haris Rauf, and others, extended their heartfelt wishes to the entire Muslim community on the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.
In a video released on the official social media platforms by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the Pakistani cricketers extended their wishes and gave important messages to the nation on Eid.
The national team is currently in New Zealand for a three-match ODI series.
During the practice session at Hamilton ahead of the second ODI, Pakistani skipper Mohammad Rizwan wished the whole Muslim community on the joyous occasion of Eid-ul-fitr.
“A very happy to eid to the whole Muslim community,” said Rizwan.
Besides Rizwan, vice-captain Salman Ali Agha, opening batter Imam-ul-Haq, and ace pacer Haris Rauf also wished ‘Eid Mubarak’ to all the Muslims around the world, praying for peace, prosperity, and happiness for everyone.
It is pertinent to mention that Pakistan lost the first ODI of the three-match series against New Zealand by 73 runs.
Chasing a daunting 345-run target, Pakistan faltered under the pressure of New Zealand’s pace attack, folding for 271 in 44.1 overs.
Pakistan’s chase began on a promising note as debutant Usman Khan and Abdullah Shafique put together a brisk 83-run opening stand.
Both batters looked aggressive, setting a solid platform before Nathan Smith broke the partnership in the 13th over, removing Usman for 39. Skipper Michael Bracewell then dismissed Abdullah for 36 in the 16th over, reducing Pakistan to 88-2.
Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan attempted to rebuild with a 76-run partnership, keeping hopes alive. However, debutant Muhammad Abbas struck in the 29th over to dismiss Rizwan for 30, leaving Pakistan at 164-3.
Babar, showing his trademark composure, anchored the innings with Salman Ali Agha in an 89-run stand.
The former captain reached his 36th ODI fifty, scoring a fluent 78, but his dismissal in the 39th over to Will O’Rourke tilted the momentum firmly in New Zealand’s favor.
Pakistan’s collapse began soon after as Tayyab Tahir was run out in the 40th over, followed by a golden duck for Irfan Khan Niazi.
Smith then returned to clean up the tail, dismissing Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf in the 43rd over.
READ: ‘Always dreamed of debuting against Pakistan,’ says Muhammad Abbas
