Shaheen Afridi reacts after T20I series defeat against New Zealand
This is pacer’s first assignment as captain in the shortest format of the game
Pakistan T20I captain Shaheen Afridi opened up about his decision to bowl first during the third T20I against New Zealand on Wednesday in Dunedin.
Pakistan lost the match by 45 runs as New Zealand took an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series.
"This ground's history, both in international and domestic cricket, showed us that chasing is easier here. After consultation as a team, we thought it would be better to bowl first. Unfortunately, we didn't deliver in the powerplay as a bowling unit, and our bowling has collapsed in these three games. However, we need to give this team time if we are to think about the big events ahead,” Afridi said after the match.
The ongoing series is Afridi’s first assignment as captain in the shortest format of the game.
It must be noted that Finn Allen smashed 137 runs in 62 balls as New Zealand set Pakistan a daunting 225-run target in the third T20I.
In reply, Babar Azam, 58 off 37, scored his third consecutive fifty of the series but it was not enough to take Pakistan over the line.
"Babar proved how good he is once again and played three best innings in three matches. Yes he wasn't able to finish the game but to do that, you need some help to take the game deep. If a good batter stayed with him at the other end then he could have finished the match," the Pakistan skipper said while praising Babar.
Pakistan reached 95 for two in the 11th over, but saw a clutch of wickets derail their chase, losing four for just 39 runs.
Mohammad Nawaz scored 28 runs in 15 balls, with the help of two fours and as many maximums.
Mitchell Santner bowled an economical spell, taking one wicket for 26 runs in four overs.
Allen took Pakistan to the cleaners as he notched up the highest individual score for New Zealand in men's T20Is, surpassing the previous best of 123 set by Brendon McCullum. He also hit the joint-most sixes, 16, in an innings in men's T20Is.
Rauf conceded 60 off his four overs while Mohammad Nawaz gave up 44 and Shaheen Afridi 43 on a dismal day with the ball for Pakistan.
"When you win then people say you're the best player; when you lose then people say you can't do anything. Today, Matt Henry went for 50+ runs, and he's New Zealand's best bowler. This happens sometimes in T20 cricket on such small grounds. We do think that we didn't bowl well collectively. Haris was hit for runs on good balls too, but he's our best bowler and has the most wickets for Pakistan (as a pacer),” Shaheen said on Rauf’s performance.
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