Mount Maunganui, March 23: Pakistan’s skipper Salman Ali Agha admitted that his team was “outplayed” by New Zealand in the fourth T20I at Mount Maunganui, acknowledging that the conditions in the second innings proved too much for his side to handle.
Despite winning the toss and opting to field first, Pakistan’s bowlers struggled to contain New Zealand’s batting as they posted a challenging total of 220/6. Pakistan’s experienced bowlers were unable to curb the flow of runs, and their performance in the field was also less than ideal.
In reply, Pakistan’s batters faltered against a disciplined New Zealand pace attack led by Zakary Foulkes and William O’Rourke, who generated bounce and swing to unsettle the visitors. The Pakistan batting lineup, which had previously managed a record-breaking chase in the third T20I, failed to replicate their heroics. Pakistan collapsed to 105 all out, suffering a heavy 115-run defeat.
After the match, Salman reflected on the team’s performance, saying, “They bowled really well. They outplayed us. You have to give credit to them. It was swinging and turning as well; it does a lot in the second innings. But we need to adapt as international cricketers and do better.”
He also acknowledged the challenge of the conditions, adding, “It was swinging a lot in the second innings. It was a bit too much. We need to regroup and win that last game.”
With New Zealand taking a 3-1 series lead, the final T20I in Wellington on Wednesday is now a dead rubber. Despite the defeat, Salman expressed the need for his side to adapt and perform better in the final game of the series.