Pakistan’s T20I captain, Salman Ali Agha, conceded that his team was outclassed by New Zealand after suffering a 4-1 series defeat, culminating in an eight-wicket loss at Sky Stadium on Wednesday.
“They were exceptional throughout. We were second-best in all departments,” Salman admitted while reflecting on Pakistan’s challenges during the series.
Despite the setback, Salman highlighted the emergence of young talent as a significant takeaway.
“There were a lot of encouraging signs. Hasan and Haris showcased brilliant batting in Auckland, and Sufiyan’s bowling today was impressive,” he remarked.
Pakistan struggled with the bat once more in the final match, managing only 128/9 in their allotted 20 overs. Salman stood firm with a determined 51, but Jimmy Neesham’s five-wicket haul (5/22) and a blistering 97* off 38 balls by Tim Seifert saw New Zealand chase down the target in just 10 overs.
Looking forward to the ODI series, Salman remained optimistic, stressing that Pakistan’s 50-over squad possesses greater experience.
“The ODI lineup is different, with more seasoned players who have previously played in New Zealand. We anticipate a competitive series,” he noted.
Salman also shed light on Pakistan’s broader objectives, stating that their focus had always been on upcoming marquee tournaments.
“As we headed into this series, our priority was preparation for the Asia Cup and the World Cup,” he explained.
On a personal note, Salman acknowledged his own efforts but emphasized that individual performances are secondary when the team faces defeat.
“I did my best, but when you lose the series, personal milestones don’t matter much,” he concluded.
With the T20I series behind them, Pakistan will look to regroup and make a stronger impact in the upcoming ODI matches against New Zealand.
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FAQs
- How did Pakistan perform in the T20I series against New Zealand?
Pakistan lost the series 4-1, struggling in most matches as New Zealand dominated with both bat and ball. - What were the positives for Pakistan despite the series loss?
Salman Ali Agha highlighted strong individual performances from young players like Hasan, Haris, and Sufiyan as key takeaways. - How did Salman Ali Agha perform in the series?
Salman was one of Pakistan’s better performers, scoring a resilient 51 in the final match, though his efforts couldn’t prevent defeat. - What is Salman Ali Agha’s outlook on the ODI series?
He remains hopeful, noting that the ODI squad is more experienced and has prior exposure to New Zealand’s conditions. - What is Pakistan’s long-term focus following this series?
According to Salman, the team’s primary focus is on preparation for the Asia Cup and the World Cup.
