LAHORE – Pakistan cricket team continued to struggle in the ongoing T20I series as New Zealand clinched animpressive five-wicket victory in the rain-affected second match at Dunedin, extending their lead to 2-0 in the five-match series.
Following the defeat in the second T20I, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha acknowledged the team’s shortcomings and emphasised the need for greater consistency in all departments. “I believe our batting showed some improvement compared to the Christchurch game,” he said and added:“However, we still need to finish better. Our fielding was outstanding, and there were positive spells in our bowling, but we must be more consistent overall.”
Agha pointed out that adjusting to the conditions in New Zealand remains a key challenge for the team. “The bounce here is quite different from what we are accustomed to back home. Once we adapt to it properly, I am confident we will perform better,” he added.
Pakistan’s biggest setback came during the Powerplay, where their bowlers conceded 66 runs in just five overs, allowing New Zealand to take early control of the chase. While praising his bowlers’ efforts later in the innings, Agha admitted that the early damage had already tilted the game in the hosts’ favor.
“Our spinners bowled well, and Haris Rauf was exceptional, but the Powerplay was where we lost the game,” he conceded. “We need to tighten our bowling in the early overs and maintain better consistency throughout the innings.” With Pakistan now trailing 0-2 in the series, Agha remained optimistic about bouncing back in the remaining matches. “As a batting unit, we need a stronger start in the Powerplay. Similarly, our bowling must be sharper in the early overs. These are areas we must improve going forward.”Pakistan will aim to stay alive in the series when they take on New Zealand in the third T20I at Auckland on Friday, March 21.
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