Islamabad, Mar 18 2025: Pakistan cricket team continues to face difficulties, with their second consecutive loss against New Zealand in the ongoing T20I series.
Led by Salman Ali Agha, the visitors fell short once again, losing the second match by five wickets. With this defeat, they are on the verge of another series loss.
Despite a better performance compared to the first match, Pakistan’s total of 135/9 in the rain-shortened 15-over game was not enough to challenge New Zealand.
Salman Ali Agha was the standout performer with 46 runs off 28 balls, but the team struggled collectively. The hosts comfortably chased down the target in 13.1 overs.
After the defeat, Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf addressed the media and responded to criticism directed at the team’s younger players.
He expressed frustration, stating that some people in Pakistan are always waiting for the team to lose just to criticise them.
Rauf highlighted that young players need time and consistent opportunities to adapt to international cricket, similar to how other teams develop their emerging talent.
He emphasised that his focus remains on supporting the newcomers and helping them settle into the team.
Pakistan’s struggles are not limited to this series. They were eliminated in the group stages of the ICC Champions Trophy, the 2023 ODI World Cup, and the 2024 T20 World Cup.
The team also lost a home Test series against Bangladesh. Frequent changes in captaincy, PCB leadership, and coaching staff have added to their instability.
With New Zealand leading the series 2-0, Pakistan faces a must-win situation in the third T20I on March 21. Another loss would hand the series to the hosts, further deepening Pakistan’s cricketing crisis.
