Pakistan’s T20I captain Salman Agha is optimistic about turning things around in the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand after a disappointing end to the five-match T20 series. The Men in Green faced a tough challenge in New Zealand and suffered a 1-4 defeat, showcasing a dominant performance by the Blackcaps. However, Agha believes that the ODI series will be a completely different ball game, with a more experienced squad stepping onto the field.
A New Beginning with an Experienced Squad
Speaking after the final T20I loss on Wednesday, March 26, Agha acknowledged New Zealand’s supremacy in the series but expressed confidence in Pakistan’s chances in the ODI format. He highlighted that the team selection for the T20 series was made with the 2026 T20 World Cup in mind, which led to the omission of senior players like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. However, the ODI squad will see their return, bringing valuable experience to the team.
“It’s a completely different team for the ODIs. The squad is more experienced, and we are hopeful for a strong series. Many of our players have experience playing in New Zealand, so it will be a competitive contest,” said Agha.
Pakistan ODI Squad Announced
With Rizwan taking over the captaincy for the ODI series, Pakistan will aim for redemption. The announced squad includes a mix of experienced players and emerging talent, ensuring a well-balanced unit.
Pakistan ODI Squad:
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Mohammad Rizwan (c)
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Salman Ali Agha
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Abdullah Shafique
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Abrar Ahmed
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Akif Javed
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Babar Azam
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Faheem Ashraf
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Imam-ul-Haq
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Khushdil Shah
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Mohammad Ali
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Mohammad Wasim Jnr
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Irfan Niazi
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Naseem Shah
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Sufiyan Muqeem
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Tayyab Tahir
New Zealand’s Domination in the T20I Series
New Zealand proved to be a formidable force throughout the T20 series, delivering a crushing blow to Pakistan in the final game. Chasing a modest target of 129, the Blackcaps wrapped up the match in just 10 overs, leaving Pakistan with a lot to reflect upon.
Agha didn’t shy away from admitting that New Zealand thoroughly outplayed them. “You have to give credit to them; they were outstanding. They outplayed us throughout the series,” he remarked.
Despite the heavy loss, Agha chose to focus on the positives, particularly the performances of a few young players. “The way Hasan and Haris batted in Auckland was commendable. Also, Sufiyan bowled well today. These are some of the takeaways from this series.”
Backing the Youngsters for the Future
Pakistan had opted for a youthful squad in the T20 series, aiming to groom players for future challenges. Agha emphasized that the team will continue to back these youngsters, as their exposure to international cricket will only make them stronger.
“When we arrived here, we knew we had a young squad. We will continue to support them and move forward. The more they play, the better they will get,” Agha added.
On his personal performance, the skipper remained humble, stating, “I did alright, but when the team loses a series, individual performances don’t matter much.”
ODI Series Set to Begin
Pakistan will now shift its focus to the ODI series, which kicks off on Saturday, March 29. With a revamped squad and the return of key players, fans will be eager to see if Pakistan can bounce back and put up a strong fight against the Blackcaps.
Will Pakistan be able to turn things around and challenge New Zealand in the ODIs? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – cricket fans are in for an exciting contest!
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