Islamabad, April 5, 2025: Following a 3-0 ODI loss to New Zealand, Mohammad Rizwan urged players a fresh start ahead of PSL Season 10.
While speaking after the final match, the wicket-keeper batter admitted that the series loss was a tough one to take.
He acknowledged that New Zealand had outperformed Pakistan in all aspects of the game, making the most of crucial moments throughout the series.
While Babar Azam showed some resistance with two half-centuries, the ODI captain noted that the team fell short in key situations.
He praised New Zealand for their control and adaptability, even in conditions often seen as favourable to visiting teams from the subcontinent.
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Rizwan stressed the need to move forward, saying it was time to leave recent disappointments behind, including the Champions Trophy outcome.
He pointed to the Pakistan Super League as a chance for the national players to bounce back and give fans something to celebrate.
In the third ODI, Pakistan were set a revised target of 265 in 42 overs. The chase began on a poor note when Imam-ul-Haq was forced to retire hurt.
Usman Khan fell for 12, while Babar Azam and Abdullah Shafique built a steady stand before both fell after promising starts.
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The national middle-order struggled, with Rizwan scoring 37, as the team collapsed for 221, 43 runs short of the target.
Earlier, New Zealand posted 264-8, with Rhys Mariu scoring 58 and captain Michael Bracewell contributing an unbeaten 59.
Despite effective spells from Akif Javed, Naseem Shah, and Faheem Ashraf, Pakistan couldn’t prevent the hosts from setting a challenging total.
As the focus shifts to PSL 10, Rizwan and his teammates will be hoping for a turnaround in form and a fresh opportunity to win back fans’ support.
