AUCKLAND: Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha has reflected on his team’s thumping nine-wicket victory over New Zealand in the third T20I of the five-match series at Eden Park on Friday.
Pakistan opted to field first after winning the toss and bundled New Zealand for 204 despite a quick-fire knock of 94 runs by Mark Chapman.
In response, the Green Shirts chased the target in 16 overs, courtesy of Hasan Nawaz’s unbeaten century as well as captain Salman’s unbeaten half-century and Mohammad Haris’ 41.
Pakistan’s skipper praised his team-mates while emphasising the need to back youngsters to get out the best performance from them.
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“Outstanding performance. A proper game we played, the bowlers started really well and then the two youngsters batted really well,” he said after the match.
“If you back the youngsters, they will do well like today. 200 is a par score on this wicket, and I just said to the guys we can chase this down if you bat well.”
Salman Ali Agha also acknowledged the importance of this match to keep the series alive, having suffered back-to-back losses in the first two games.
“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.
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