Table of Contents
Pakistan have suffered two consecutive losses against New Zealand in their ongoing five-match T20I series. As New Zealand were playing with a second-string team due to their main players participating in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, Pakistan were expected to dominate the series at home. However, the Men in Green have disappointed thus far, trailing 1-2 in the series with one match remaining.
The performance of Babar Azam’s side just before the T20 World Cup 2024 has drawn criticism from fans and former Pakistan players. Following this, Babar addressed the team’s tactics for the upcoming prestigious tournament.
Pakistan’s second consecutive loss against New Zealand
After being assigned to bat first in the match, New Zealand established a target of 178 runs for seven wickets, highlighted by noteworthy innings from Tim Robinson (51 off 36), Tom Blundell (28 off 15), and Dean Foxcroft (34 off 26).
In response, Fakhar Zaman’s innings of 61 runs off 45 balls kept the home side competitive following the early dismissals of the top three batters. Subsequently, Imad Wasim played an unbeaten innings of 22 runs off 11 balls, yet it proved inadequate to secure victory for the team. Pakistan ultimately fell short, losing the match by four runs as they concluded on 174/8.
Addressing this defeat in the post-match press conference, Pakistan skipper Babar commended Fakhar and Imad for their contributions and also lauded the team’s bowlers. He later expressed that their loss in the game was unfortunate.
“They (NZ) started nicely but our bowlers made a good comeback, we stuck to a length. In the first six overs, we lost quite a number of wickets. Fakhar’s innings was outstanding, unfortunately, we couldn’t chase it down, Imad also played good innings. It was a different surface, the average score here is 190 and we did well to restrict them and it was a chaseable total. Our youngsters did well,” said Babar during the post-match press conference, as quoted by TOI.
Babar Azam opens up about plans regarding T20 World Cup 2024
Regarding the team’s strategy for the T20 World Cup 2024, Babar mentioned that they are experimenting with various approaches in each game and aim to finalize their plans before the epic tournament.
“We are trying something new and different in every game. Hopefully, we will be settled before going for the T20 World Cup,” the 29-year-old stated.
Also READ: ‘If i don’t get a chance…,” Shubman Gill opens up on selection ahead of India’s T20 World Cup squad announcement
Pakistan to play series decider on Saturday
Pakistan are set to face New Zealand in the final match of the T20I series. Although they can not win the series, the Asian giants will exert maximum effort to level it. The encounter between the two teams will occur at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.
