Pakistan’s Vice-Captain Blames Damning Loss on This Factor

Pakistan cricket team’s vice-captain Salman Ali Agha has pointed the blame at a poor powerplay and Fakhar Zaman’s absence as major factors behind a damning defeat to New Zealand in the opening contest of the 2025 Champions Trophy.

The Kiwis outplayed the hosts from the start, ultimately securing a 60-run win at the National Bank Stadium, exposing key issues in Pakistan’s batting approach. Chasing a massive 321, Pakistan never looked in control, eventually folding for 260. The early damage came in the powerplay, where they managed just 22 runs while losing two wickets, marking their worst start to an ODI at home.

“We didn’t play well in the powerplay. That is the main reason we lost today,” Salman Ali Agha openly admitted in the post-match press conference. “We were never able to build momentum.”

Pakistan’s slow start was largely linked to opener Fakhar Zaman being forced to bat at No. 4 due to an injury sustained while fielding. His delayed entry left a void at the top, significantly hindering Pakistan’s run chase. “Fakhar is our best powerplay batter. Without him, we couldn’t make use of the fielding restrictions,” Salman Ali Agha noted.

The vice-captain also pointed to Pakistan’s inability to convert starts into big scores, contrasting it with their record chase against South Africa earlier this year, where effective strike rotation and partnerships led to victory. “We need to convert our small scores into bigger ones. If we keep getting out cheaply, these losses will continue,” Salman Ali Agha warned.

The defeat also marked Pakistan’s third consecutive loss to New Zealand at home after the tri-series debacle, with Salman acknowledging their lack of consistency as a major concern. “If you want to be the best side, you have to be consistent. We’re lacking that,” he added.

Salman Ali Agha was probably one of the few bright spots in Pakistan’s chase alongside Khudshil Shah. His 42 off 28 did not provide a spark in Pakistan’s chase but underscored his credentials as a rising talent in Pakistan’s batting lineup. With a crucial clash against India next, Pakistan must find some support for Salman Ali Agha and the rest of the batters or risk an early exit from their title defense.