Pakistan skipper Mohammad Rizwan has opened up about the 0-3 whitewash loss to New Zealand in the recently concluded ODI series. Rizwan stated that New Zealand outplayed the Men in Green in all three departments, adding that the conditions are vastly different from subcontinental pitches.
Pakistan ended the white-ball tour of New Zealand with a 43-run defeat in the third and final ODI at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on Saturday, April 5. Chasing a target of 265 in a rain-shortened 42-over match, the visiting team was bowled out for 221 runs. Notably, Pakistan also lost the T20I series 1-4.
Speaking at the post-match presentation, Mohammad Rizwan highlighted a few positives, such as Babar Azam regaining form with back-to-back fifties. However, Rizwan admitted that New Zealand were the superior side.
"This was an important series for us. Babar Azam found good touch with consecutive fifties, while Sufiyan Muqeem bowled exceptionally well. In the last match, Naseem Shah rediscovered his rhythm with the new ball," Rizwan said.
"We must give full credit to New Zealand - all their departments have been performing consistently well for months now. The conditions here are very different from Asian pitches, yet they've adapted brilliantly, just as they did during our home series," he added.
This Experience Will Only Make Them Better - Mohammad Rizwan
The wicketkeeper-batter said that they prioritized giving young bowlers exposure to New Zealand conditions during the series. Rizwan added that the experience will aid their development moving forward.
"In New Zealand, new ball bowling is crucial. We've deliberately focused on developing our young bowlers during this series - this experience will only make them better," Rizwan added.
New Zealand posted a total of 264/8 in 42 overs. Pakistan were bowled out for 221. Babar Azam scored a fifty, while Abdullah Shafique (33), Rizwan (37), and Tayyab Tahir (33) chipped in with contributions. Pakistan were in contention at 167/4 after 32 overs, but the Black Caps came back into the game.
Earlier, Rhys Mariu scored his maiden half-century in just his second ODI, making 58 runs off 61 balls with six fours and two sixes. He was dismissed by Sufiyan Muqeem. For Pakistan, Akif Javed took four wickets, while Naseem Shah picked up two. Muqeem and Faheem Ashraf chipped in with one wicket each.
We Will Leave the Past and Look Ahead to the PSL - Mohammad Rizwan
Mohammad Rizwan admitted that Pakistan were outplayed by New Zealand. He stated that there were no excuses for the series loss. Rizwan hoped that fans would find joy in the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) after the team's recent disappointing results.
"When you lose, there aren't many excuses to make. While we had some strong individual performances, New Zealand simply outplayed us overall," Rizwan continued.
"We will leave the past and look ahead to the PSL. Hopefully, the nation will enjoy as we didn't give them the results," he concluded.
The 10th season of the Pakistan Super League is set to begin on April 11. Defending champions Islamabad United will take on Lahore Qalandars in the opening match at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
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