Frustration boiled between the two Pakistan stars, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mohammad Rizwan in the opening match against New Zealand which was held in Karachi. The pressure from New Zealand’s sensational batting led by centurions Tom Latham, Will Young and Glenn Philips led to tensions rising in the Pakistani camp.
Shaheen Afridi gives it back to Mohammad Rizwan after Pakistan captain argues needlessly.pic.twitter.com/iu0IFuLoRN
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New Zealand’s Dominant Total
New Zealand bashed out a resounding 320/5 off their 50 overs, which left Pakistan bowlers reeling under the hammering. Shaheen Afridi was knocked for wicketless 68 runs, and Haris Rauf gave 83 runs and 2 wickets. The most economical one among them was Abrar Ahmed, who scalped 1/47 with his spell. All this being said, still, the Pakistani bowlers couldn’t stop the New Zealand batters from picking up runs without any resistance.
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Rizwan’s Frustration With The Bowlers
During the innings, Rizwan’s increasing aggravation with his bowlers was noticeable. When Latham edged a good delivery by Shaheen to the boundary in the 47th over, rather than backing his pacer, Rizwan chastised Shaheen, which resulted in a minor scuffle. Earlier, Rizwan had scolded Abrar Ahmed after the spinner had given away 16 runs in his last over. While Rizwan tried to pacify Abrar following Latham’s six, he soon lost his temper when the bowler conceded a number of boundaries.
Pakistan’s Struggles
In response, Pakistan’s batting had no sense of urgency or purpose. Babar Azam’s half-century (64 from 90 balls) was agonizingly slow, and though Khushdil Shah made a gallant knock of 69 from 49 balls, it was too little, too late to be effective. The Men in Green could not get into gear or develop any significant partnerships, and the required run rate continued to increase as the game wore on.
New Zealand Seals A Comfortable Win
New Zealand’s bowlers, spearheaded by William O’Rourke and skipper Mitchell Santner, were clinical in their effort, bowling Pakistan out for a sub-par score. Santner and O’Rourke took 3 wickets each, and Pakistan’s pursuit resulted in a 60-run loss.
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Pakistan On The Brink Of Elimination
This defeat places Pakistan on the brink of elimination, and with their next fixture against India a do-or-die affair after this loss, a defeat now threatens to kick them out of the tournament altogether. Sunday’s match, then, is do-or-die for the Men in Green.
