MOUNT MAUNGANUI: Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha shared his thoughts on the crushing defeat against New Zealand in the fourth T20I at Bay Oval on Sunday.
Chasing a daunting total of 221, Pakistan’s batting order collapsed under the pressure, getting bowled out for only 105 runs, losing the five-match T20I series 3-1.
During the post-match presentation, Salman stated that New Zealand outplayed them in every aspect of the game.
“They bowled really well and completely outplayed us. Credit goes to them, ” he said.
The skipper emphasized the difficulties posed by the swinging and turning ball in the second innings, stressing that as international cricketers, they must adapt and improve.
He acknowledged the challenges but expressed the need for the team to regroup and focus on winning the final game.
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“The ball was swinging and turning, making it difficult in the second innings. But as international cricketers, we need to adapt and do better.”
“It was challenging with so much swing, but we need to regroup and aim to win the last game,” he said.
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.
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.
The only bright spot in an otherwise poor batting performance was Abdul Samad, who scored 44 off 30 deliveries, an innings that included two sixes and four fours.
For New Zealand, Jacob Duffy was the standout bowler, taking four wickets in his four overs, while Zakary Foulkes provided strong support, claiming three wickets of his own.
READ: Dominant New Zealand blow Pakistan away to clinch T20I series 3-1