After losing the third T20I and New Zealand Series in Dunedin on Wednesday, Pakistan’s T20I captain, Shaheen Afridi, shared insights into the decision to bowl first, expressing disappointment after the team’s 45-run defeat, which gave New Zealand an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series.
Afridi explained that the decision to bowl first was based on the historical context of the ground, where chasing has proven to be easier. Despite the team’s consensus, he acknowledged that the bowling unit faltered in the powerplay, leading to their downfall in all three games. Afridi emphasized the need for patience and time for the team, especially considering the upcoming major events.
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Notably, Finn Allen’s exceptional innings of 137 runs in 62 balls set a formidable 225-run target for Pakistan in the third T20I. Despite a valiant effort from Babar Azam, who scored 58 off 37 balls, Pakistan fell short, losing crucial wickets and finishing at 95 for two in the 11th over.
Reflecting on the team’s performance, Afridi admitted that the bowling, particularly in the powerplay, did not meet expectations. Mitchell Santner’s economical spell and Finn Allen’s record-breaking performance compounded Pakistan’s challenges, with Shaheen Afridi conceding 43 runs, Haris Rauf 60, and Mohammad Nawaz 44.
In response to criticism, Afridi defended Haris Rauf, highlighting that even New Zealand’s best bowler, Matt Henry, faced challenges in T20 cricket on small grounds. Afridi acknowledged the team’s collective struggle in bowling and expressed confidence in their ability to bounce back.
The ongoing series marks Afridi’s first stint as captain in T20Is, and with New Zealand securing a 3-0 lead, Pakistan faces an uphill battle. The captain’s call for patience and improvement is essential as they look ahead to the remaining matches in the New Zealand series.
