Pakistan batting ‘not clicking’

Sarfraz Ahmed
Sarfraz Ahmed
If you don’t become a bad team overnight then how long does it take?

Pakistan was a world-beater before arriving in New Zealand but suffered a crushing defeat at the University Oval on Saturday.

The home side wrapped up the ODI series with a 183-run win in game three with two to play.

The Black Caps had wanted to be more ruthless with the ball and ruthless they were.

Trent Boult starred with five for 17 as the tourists collapsed to be all out for a paltry 74 in reply to New Zealand’s total of 257.

At one stage Pakistan (32 for eight) was threatening to lower its worst ODI score of 43 but got past its nadir thanks to a rally of sorts from the bowlers.

No11 Rumman Raees actually top-scored with 16 —  just the sixth time a No11 had top-scored in an ODI innings.

Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed was suitably unimpressed with his side’s effort.

"The problem is the batting is not clicking," he said.

"We gift so many wickets and that is why we lost the match.

"If we give so many wickets in the first 10 overs it is very hard for the middle-order batsmen.

"But first of all credit goes to them [New Zealand]. They bowled really well."

Ahmed felt his side fought hard with the ball. Pakistan picked up seven wickets for 62 runs in the last 10 overs and had momentum at the break in innings.

The wicket was slow  but Ahmed felt the target was within reach if his side batted well.

While the series is lost, Ahmed said there was still a lot at stake but he suggested there would be changes for tomorrow’s match in Hamilton.

"Yes, definitely. We will get together and [come up with a] plan to give us the best 11."

Asked who might come into the starting side to bolster the batting, Ahmed said it was a discussion which was still to be had.

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