Shaheen Afridi, Pakistan’s captain for the T20I, started his leadership role with three straight losses in the current five-match series against New Zealand. On Wednesday, January 17, at the University Oval in Dunedin, New Zealand defeated Pakistan by 45 runs in the third T20I to seize an invincible 3-0 lead over them in the five-match series.
Having been assigned to bat first, New Zealand’s Finn Allen produced an incredible performance of 137 (62) to completely destroy Pakistan’s bowlers. Pakistan, in response, could only muster 179/7 in their 20 overs, with Babar Azam leading the way once more with 58 (37).
Many people have criticized Shaheen Afridi for leading the current series as captain. In addition, he made history by being the first Pakistani captain to lose his first three T20Is. To exacerbate the situation, he has also had a subpar performance with the ball, taking four wickets at an economy rate of 9.91 from three games.
Team is putting in the effort, which matters the most – Shaheen Afridi
During the post-match press conference, Afridi made a suggestion that the outcome did not disturb him. Declaring that his team’s effort is what counts most to him, the captain of Pakistan said:
“Results don’t matter. What matters is that the team is putting in the effort, and I feel all the players in the team are doing that. Everyone is trying to figure out how we can improve,”
If a good batsman stayed with him, he could have finished the match – Shaheen Afridi on Babar Azam not getting ample support from the other end
In order to survive the five-match series, Pakistan had to overcome a massive 225-run total in the third T20I . But again, they were betrayed by their batting, with Babar Azam being the sole bright spot.
Babar scored 58 runs off 37 balls to record his third half-century of the series. The other batters did not offer him much assistance, though. Shaheen Afridi responded to the former captain’s jab by saying:
“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 batsman stayed with him at the other end then he could have finished the match,” Shaheen elaborated.
After a brilliant 137-run innings, Finn Allen, the opener for New Zealand, was named Player of the Match. On Friday, January 19, the fourth T20I between the two teams will take place at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.
Also Read: NZ vs PAK: Swash-Buckling Century From Finn Allen Seals The Series For New Zealand