“We must enhance our performance further,” says Rizwan after Pakistan’s first ODI loss to New Zealand.
NAPIER: Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan shared his thoughts on his team’s disappointing loss to New Zealand in the opening ODI of the three-match series at McLean Park on Saturday.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Rizwan analyzed Pakistan’s performance, acknowledging both positives and areas needing improvement.
“Our approach in the second innings was promising—we played with intent and executed key elements required for a successful chase. We were within reach, but as the pressure built up, we lost momentum in those crucial three to four overs,” he remarked.
He commended the bowlers for their early impact: “Our bowling unit started brilliantly, adapting well to the conditions and executing plans effectively. Choosing to bowl first was the correct decision. However, Chapman’s outstanding knock put New Zealand in a strong position. We need to work on seizing key opportunities better.”
Rizwan also pointed out the encouraging aspects of the match, particularly the debutants’ inclusion: “Having three newcomers in the squad was a positive step. Playing in challenging New Zealand conditions is a valuable learning experience for them.”
Despite the setback, he remained optimistic: “This wasn’t the outcome we wanted, but we have two more games to bounce back. We’ll regroup and return stronger.”
Pakistan suffered a 73-run defeat in the first ODI, despite notable contributions from Babar Azam and Salman Ali Agha.
Chasing a daunting 345-run target, Pakistan got off to a solid start as debutant Usman Khan and Abdullah Shafique put together an 83-run opening stand, setting the tone with an aggressive approach.
However, New Zealand struck back in the 13th over when Nathan Smith dismissed Usman for 39, followed by Michael Bracewell removing Abdullah for 36, reducing Pakistan to 88-2.
Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan steadied the innings with a crucial 76-run partnership, but Rizwan fell for 30 in the 29th over to debutant Muhammad Abbas, leaving Pakistan at 164-3.
Babar continued to anchor the chase alongside Salman Ali Agha, adding 89 runs. The former skipper looked in fine touch, reaching his 36th ODI half-century before being dismissed for 78 by Will O’Rourke in the 39th over, shifting momentum back to the hosts.
Pakistan’s collapse began soon after, with Tayyab Tahir’s run-out and Irfan Khan Niazi’s golden duck leaving them in trouble at 253-6.
Smith returned to dismiss Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf in the 43rd over, while Jacob Duffy accounted for Salman Ali Agha, who fought hard for his 58. Akif Javed was the last to fall as Pakistan were bowled out for 271 in 44.1 overs.
Smith led the New Zealand attack with 4-60, while Duffy picked up two wickets. Bracewell, Abbas, and O’Rourke claimed one each.
Earlier, the Blackcaps found themselves in early trouble at 50-3 following an impressive spell by Akif Javed. However, Mark Chapman (132) and Daryl Mitchell (76) turned the game around with a record-breaking 199-run stand. Abbas’ blistering 50 off just 24 balls propelled New Zealand beyond 300.
Pakistan’s bowlers put up a strong fight, with Niazi leading the attack with 3-51, while Rauf and Akif bagged two wickets each. Naseem and Mohammad Ali also chipped in with one wicket apiece.
