'Criticism Is Justified'- Misbah-ul-Haq After Pakistan's 2-0 Test Series Loss In New Zealand

Pakistan head coach Misbah-ul-Haq admitted his team deserves the criticism it has got after a disappointing 2-0 Test series loss in New Zealand.

Misbah conceded that his team played well below their potential against the Black Caps. The head coach’s comments came during a podcast for Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) following the end of the tour.

After going down by a margin of 101 runs in the first Test in Mount Maunganui, the visitors suffered an embarrassing loss in Christchurch by an innings & 176 runs.

The 2-0 series result meant that the Men in Green returned home from Kiwi shores without winning a game. They had earlier lost the T20I series with an identical scoreline.

People Criticise Us Because They Believe In Our Ability: Misbah-ul-Haq

Misbah’s boys are facing backlash from fans and the media in Pakistan but he said it’s also a sign of the faith people have on the players’ ability.

“Criticism is justified. People criticise us because they believe in our ability and potential. Our team showed that potential in phases,” Misbah said.

“We were down and out in the first Test, yet we fought back and brought it till the last five overs. We almost saved that Test from nowhere, which gave people expectations for the next Test. However, if your performance goes down from there, then the criticism is completely justified,” he added.

We Were Not Able To Capitalise On The Opportunities Created: Misbah-ul-Haq

Misbah-ul-Haq, the former captain, rued the dropped chances by Pakistan fieldsmen and marked that as an area that needs quick improvement.

“We are disappointed because we were not able to capitalise on the opportunities created. Our major issue and disappointment during this tour were the dropped chances, which ultimately affected the result of the series. We need to improve our fielding,” Misbah-ul-Haq said.

We Will Analyse Mistakes In New Zealand Before Finalising Squad For South Africa Series: Misbah

Misbah said mistakes made against New Zealand will be analysed before they finalise their squad to face South Africa in the next series. Pakistan will be facing the Proteas in a two-match Test series starting January 26.

“We have a home series coming up against South Africa, which will be a good chance for us to restore our shattered confidence by playing good cricket. We will look at making changes according to the home conditions and the South African team. We may also consider top performers from the ongoing Quaid-e-Azam Trophy for the South African series,” Misbah-ul-Haq said.

Setback in New Zealand has pushed Pakistan further back in the World Test Championship points table. The Asian giants now stand at sixth position in the nine-team league table.