Pakistan skipper Mohammad Rizwan has addressed the team’s disappointing 0-3 ODI series defeat to New Zealand, admitting that the hosts outplayed the Men in Green in all three departments.
Speaking after the final match at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on Saturday, April 5, Rizwan acknowledged the team’s shortcomings but expressed hope for a fresh start in the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL X).
The white-ball tour ended on a sour note for Pakistan, with the team losing the third ODI by 43 runs in a rain-shortened 42-over match. Chasing a target of 265, Pakistan were bowled out for 221. This followed a 1-4 loss in the preceding T20I series, capping off a forgettable tour.
Reflecting on the series, Rizwan admitted there were no excuses for the team’s performance. “When you lose, there aren’t many excuses to make. While we had some strong individual performances, New Zealand simply outplayed us overall,” he said. Rizwan also highlighted the challenges of adapting to conditions vastly different from subcontinental pitches.
Despite the disappointing results, Rizwan pointed to a few positives, including Babar Azam’s return to form with back-to-back fifties. However, he emphasized the need to move forward and focus on the PSL. “We didn’t fulfill expectations, but we will leave the past behind and look ahead to the PSL. Hopefully, the nation will enjoy as we didn’t give them the results they wanted,” he added.
The 10th season of the Pakistan Super League is set to kick off on April 11, with defending champions Islamabad United taking on Lahore Qalandars in the opening match at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Rizwan, who captains the Multan Sultans, will be looking to use the tournament as an opportunity to bounce back and regain the fans’ trust.
