Pakistan T20I Captain Seeks Quick Improvement After Loss to New Zealand
The new Pakistan T20I captain, Salman Ali Agha, seeks a swift response after a poor start to the tour against New Zealand, where they lost by nine wickets. Kyle Jamieson shone with 3/8, showcasing his return from injury. Both teams aim for improvement as the series progresses.
Salman Ali Agha, the new captain of Pakistan’s T20I team, is eager to see an immediate response from his squad following their disappointing nine-wicket loss to New Zealand in Christchurch. The match at Hagley Oval marked a rocky start to the tour, as Pakistan was bowled out for just 91 runs, a target that the Black Caps chased effectively with only one wicket lost.
This match was significant as it was Salman’s inaugural game in charge, featuring three debutants in the starting eleven. Additionally, the team had to contend with the absence of key players Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam, resulting in a fresh lineup. Despite these challenges, Salman declined to make excuses for their performance, emphasizing the need for a swift turnaround as they prepare for the next match in Dunedin on Tuesday.
Salman noted, “It was obviously difficult; they were bowling in the right area and there was swing and seam for them as well. But we didn’t bat up to the mark. Always in New Zealand, the new ball does a bit and we have the bowlers who can do that too. We don’t have much time. We need to regather as quickly as we can.”
On the New Zealand side, pacer Kyle Jamieson significantly contributed to Pakistan’s struggles, earning career-best figures of 3/8 and the Player of the Match award. Jamieson swiftly made an impact by taking the wicket of Mohammad Haris in his opening over and subsequently dismissing Irfan Khan and Shadab Khan, leaving Pakistan reeling at 11/4 within five overs.
This match marked Jamieson’s first T20I appearance at home in over four years following a challenging period plagued by a back injury. Having only recently returned to international play during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Jamieson is keen to utilize the upcoming matches against Pakistan to establish himself again.
Reflecting on his return, Jamieson expressed, “It’s been a long last year and a long couple of years, really. It’s just nice to be on the park and nice to be fit and healthy.”
In summary, the new Pakistan T20I captain, Salman Ali Agha, aims for a quick recovery from a challenging defeat against New Zealand. The side faced major setbacks, including the absence of key players, yet Salman emphasized the need for improvement. On the other hand, Kyle Jamieson’s strong performance highlights his return to form after injuries, as he strives to solidify his place in the team during the series. The coming matches present a crucial opportunity for both teams to demonstrate resilience and skill.
Original Source: www.icc-cricket.com
