Sunday, March 16, 2025
News

"Weren't upto the mark": Pakistan skipper Salman after new-look side's loss to NZ

   SocialTwist Tell-a-Friend    Print this Page   COMMENT

Christchurch | March 16, 2025 12:13:09 PM IST
Following his side's nine-wicket loss to New Zealand in the first T20I, Pakistan's newly-appointed T20I skipper Salman Agha said that his team was not up to the mark in the match and the newer players will learn as they play more games.

Fiery spells from pacers Jacob Duffy and Kyle Jamieson did not allow a new-look Pakistan led by Salman Agha to kickstart their new era with their fearless cricket as intended and the visitors were crushed by nine wickets in the first T20I on Sunday. The team featured three debutants, Hasan Nawaz and Abdul Samad, both dismissed for single digits and pacer Mohammed Ali.

Following the game, Agha said during the post-match presentation, "It was difficult, we were not up to the mark, but we need to regather (ahead of Dunedin, 2nd T20I). They bowled really well, in great areas, and there was a bit of seam movement as well. We will sit down, have a chat and think about the next game. We had three debutants, the more games they play, they will learn more. The new ball does a bit in New Zealand, we have good bowlers and we will look to do well in the next match."

NZ won the toss and elected to field first.

Jamieson and Duffy unleashed a reign of terror on Pakistani batters, as they sunk to 11/4 in 4.4 overs, with their key batters including Mohammad Haris (0) and Shadab Khan (6) gone. Skipper Salman Agha (18 in 20 balls, with two fours) and Khushdil Shah (32 in 30 balls, with three sixes) put on a bit of a fight with a 46-run stand, however, Ish Sodhi opened the floodgates for another collapse. Pakistan was skittled out for just 91 runs, with Jahandad Khan (17) saving Pakistan from some extra embarrassment.

Jamieson (3/8 in four overs) and Duffy (4/14 in 3.4 overs) were the top bowlers for the Kiwis. Sodhi (2/27) and Zakary Foulkes (1/11) also bowled well.

This was Pakistan's lowest total in NZ, outdoing their 101 against Kiwis at Wellington back in 2016.During the run-chase, Kiwis started out with a bang, with the pair of Finn Allen and Tim Seifert dealing in fours and sixes. At the end of the powerplay, NZ was 53/1 as compared to Pakistan's 14/4. Spinner Abrar had removed Seifert for 44 in 29 balls, with seven fours and a six.

Allen (29* in 17 balls, with two fours and two sixes) and Tim Robinson (18* in 15 balls, with a six) took NZ to a win with 59 balls and nine wickets in hand.

Jamieson won the 'Player of the Match' award for his tight bowling. (ANI)

 
  LATEST COMMENTS ()
POST YOUR COMMENT
Comments Not Available
 
POST YOUR COMMENT
 
 
TRENDING TOPICS
 
 
CITY NEWS
MORE CITIES
 
 
 
MORE SPORTS NEWS
Ishan Ishan plays scintillating knocks d...
'Earlier my aggression was a problem, no...
'Don't want to go to my room, sit alone ...
WPL: A night of all-around dominance for...
Ahmedabad: Mansukh Mandaviya participate...
Indian Open 2025 to host one of the stro...
More...
 
INDIA WORLD ASIA
Goa: Congress leader Girish Chodankar al...
Delhi CM Rekha Gupta inspects Barapula d...
'Intolerant; can't even take criticism.....
'Anti-constitutional': BJP MLC Ravikumar...
J-K: First lavender plantation drive beg...
UP CM Yogi Adityanath emphasises role of...
More...    
 
 Top Stories
Fresh pricing, exclusive drops, inf... 
"Bhagwant Mann will complete 5 year... 
"We chose peace and development, Pa... 
MHA seeks umbrella probe in cases o... 
Ishan Ishan plays scintillating kno... 
Mumbai: Celebrity management firm a... 
PM Narendra Modi to inaugurate Rais... 
India showcases its learnings in pr...