Salman Ali Agha speaks out following defeat in the fifth T20I against New Zealand
After New Zealand wrapped up a commanding 4-1 series victory over Pakistan with a win in the fifth T20I, Pakistan’s T20I captain, Salman Ali Agha, reflected on the team’s performance and the positives despite the defeat.
Salman acknowledged New Zealand’s superiority throughout the series, admitting, “They were exceptional. They outclassed us in every game.”
However, he chose to focus on the bright spots, praising the contributions of young players.
“There were several positives. Hasan and Haris batted well in Auckland, and Sufiyan bowled brilliantly today,” he noted.
Looking ahead, Salman revealed that the team’s main focus had always been on upcoming major tournaments rather than just this series.
“Our priority coming into this tour was the Asia Cup and the World Cup,” he stated.
Reflecting on his own performance, he added, “I did okay, but in the end, it doesn’t count when you lose the series.”
Salman remained optimistic about the ODI series, emphasizing that it would feature a more experienced squad.
“The ODI team is completely different. There’s more experience, and the players have been to New Zealand before. It will be a different challenge,” he concluded.
In the final T20I, Tim Seifert’s explosive 97* and Jimmy Neesham’s outstanding five-wicket haul powered New Zealand to an eight-wicket victory at Sky Stadium on Wednesday, sealing the series in dominant fashion.
Chasing 129, New Zealand made short work of the target, reaching it in just 10 overs. Seifert and Finn Allen put on a blazing 93-run opening stand, with Seifert smashing 97 off 38 balls, including six fours and 10 sixes. Daryl Mitchell chipped in with an unbeaten 2* as New Zealand cruised to victory.
Pakistan’s batting faltered early, losing Hasan Nawaz for a duck and suffering regular setbacks. Despite captain Salman Ali Agha’s fighting 51, Pakistan managed only 128/9 in their 20 overs. Sufiyan Muqeem was the standout performer with the ball, claiming 2/6 in his two overs.
Neesham’s brilliant spell of 5/22, supported by Jacob Duffy (2/18), Ish Sodhi (1/32), and Ben Sears (1/25), ensured Pakistan never gained momentum. New Zealand’s dominant all-round display sealed a comprehensive series triumph.
