Pakistan head coach Azhar Mahmood spoke about the team’s narrow loss against New Zealand in the fourth T20I of the ongoing five-match series. Azhar Mahmood acknowledged the positive aspects of Pakistan’s performance and highlighted areas for improvement in the upcoming matches.
Team Pakistan suffered a four-run defeat against New Zealand at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Thursday, April 25. The Babar Azam-led team fell short while chasing the target of 179 runs in the recent match. The visiting team took an unassailable 2-1 lead in the five-match series.
New Zealand posted a total of 178/7 in 20 overs. Opener Tim Robinson provided a good start for the team by scoring a half-century. Robinson scored 51 runs off 36 balls, including four boundaries and two sixes. Tom Blundell, Dean Foxcroft and Michael Bracewell made crucial contributions.
Pakistan could only score 174/8. Babar Azam scored only five runs before getting out in the second over. Fakhar Zaman, batting at number four, scored 61 runs off 45 balls, including four boundaries and three sixes. William O’Rourke took three wickets for 27 runs in his four overs.
These aspects highlight areas for improvement – Azhar Mahmood
Speaking after Pakistan’s defeat, Azhar Mahmood noted that Pakistan hit more boundaries and bowled more dot balls. Mahmood mentioned that New Zealand scored doubles which is an area of improvement for Pakistan.
“We managed to surpass New Zealand in the boundary count, which is positive for us. Also, our bowlers scored more points. However, New Zealand took advantage of the doubles more effectively. These aspects highlight areas for improvement,” Mahmood said.
I’m not worried about losing this series – Azhar Mahmood
Azhar Mahmood emphasized that he is not worried about losing the series. The former Pakistan all-rounder highlighted his focus on providing opportunities to young talents ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup.
“I’m not worried about losing this series. There is still an opportunity to level it out, our focus is not only on that. We keep our sights set on the future. Incorporate young talent and provide them with opportunities. “Everything is progressing as planned,” Mahmood concluded.
Pakistan faced a second-string New Zealand team in the T20 series. They won the second match convincingly after the first was eliminated. However, the home team suffered a defeat in the next match. With New Zealand taking a 2-1 lead, the Pakistan national cricket team cannot win the series.
The last T20I match between the two teams will be played at the same venue on Saturday, April 27. After this series, Pakistan will tour Ireland and England for the T20 series in preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024, which is scheduled to be played in the West Indies and the United States in June.
Also Read: GT vs RCB: “Virat Kohli fell from 25 to 19; Rajat Patidar was going crazy…” – Aaron Finch shuts up internet fans