PAK vs AFG: Rizwan supports youngsters after T20I series loss

Rizwan was given rest during Afghanistan series

By Web Desk
March 27, 2023
Rizwan hugs Haris during ODI series - PCB

Pakistan's veteran wicket-keeper batter Mohammad Rizwan backed youngsters after they lost T20I series against Afghanistan in Sharjah on Sunday. 

Afghanistan beat Pakistan by seven wickets in second T20I to seal a historic series win. The two teams will meet in third and final T20I today at the same venue. 

Taking to twitter, Rizwan asked young players to stay strong. "I strongly believe in these young superstars of Pakistan cricket. Stay strong. Let these losses fuel your inner fire. Keep working hard. Keep believing. You are champions. You will come back with a bang," he wrote. 

After winning the first two T20Is convincingly, Afghanistan won the series which was their first-ever against Pakistan. 

After the regime change in Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), there were a lot of talks regarding resting main players keeping in mind the ICC World Cup year.

The PCB decided to rest its main players including captain Babar, Rizwan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Fakhar Zaman, and Haris Rauf during the series against Afghanistan.

A young squad led by Shadab took the challenge against Afghanistan who played with their full strength. Pakistan's inexperienced batting line collapsed in first two T20Is which cost them the series.

Afghanistan beat Pakistan 2-0, with a match to go, to register first-ever series win against the neighbours.

Pakistan will next face New Zealand in five-match T20I series at home next month. Main players including Babar, Rizwan and others are likely to return to the squad.

Meanwhile, New Zealand announced their squad for T20I series against Pakistan. Their main players missed out due to their participation in the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

New Zealand's T20I squad for Pakistan tour

Tom Latham (c, wk), Chad Bowes, Mark Chapman, Dane Cleaver, Matt Henry, Ben Lister, Adam Milne, Cole McConchie, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Rachin Ravindra, Henry Shipley, Ish Sodhi, Blair Tickner, Will Young

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