PAK vs NZ: "Pakistan scored more boundaries and bowled more dot balls than New Zealand.."- Azhar Mahmood goes crazy

Pakistan's head coach, Azhar Mahmood, discussed the team's narrow loss against New Zealand in the fourth T20I of the ongoing five-match series. Azhar Mahmood acknowledged the positives in Pakistan's performance and highlighted areas for improvement in the upcoming matches.

The Pakistan team suffered a four-run defeat against New Zealand at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Thursday, April 25. The Babar Azam-led team fell short while chasing the target of 179 runs in the recent match. The visiting team took an unassailable 2-1 lead in the five-match series.

New Zealand posted a total of 178/7 in 20 overs. Opener Tim Robinson provided a good start for the team by scoring a half-century. Robinson scored 51 runs off 36 balls, including four boundaries and two sixes. Tom Blundell, Dean Foxcroft, and Michael Bracewell made crucial contributions.

Pakistan could only manage to score 174/8. Babar Azam scored only five runs before getting out in the second over. Fakhar Zaman, batting at number four, scored 61 runs off 45 balls, including four boundaries and three sixes. William O'Rourke picked up three wickets for 27 runs in his four overs.

These Aspects Highlight Areas For Improvement - Azhar Mahmood

Speaking after Pakistan’s loss, Azhar Mahmood noted that Pakistan hit more boundaries and bowled more dot balls. Mahmood mentioned that New Zealand scored doubles, which is an area for improvement for Pakistan.

“We managed to outscore New Zealand in the boundary count, which is a positive for us. Additionally, our bowlers delivered more dots. However, New Zealand capitalized on doubles more effectively. These aspects highlight areas for improvement,” Mahmood said.

Not Concerned About Losing This Series - Azhar Mahmood

Azhar Mahmood emphasized that he isn't worried about losing the series. The former Pakistan all-rounder highlighted his focus on providing opportunities to young talent ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup.

“I’m not concerned about losing this series. There’s still an opportunity to level it, our focus isn’t only on that. We’re keeping our sights set on the future. Incorporating young talent and providing them with opportunities. Everything is progressing as planned,” Mahmood concluded.

Pakistan faced a second-string New Zealand team in the T20 series. They won the second match convincingly after the first was washed out. However, the home team suffered a loss in the next match. With New Zealand taking a 2-1 lead, the Pakistan national cricket team can't win the series.

The final T20I match between the two teams will be played at the same venue on Saturday, April 27. Following this series, Pakistan will tour Ireland and England for the T20 series in preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024, which is scheduled to be played in the West Indies and USA in June.

Also read: GT vs RCB: "Virat Kohli dropped to 19 from 25; Rajat Patidar was going crazy.."- Aaron Finch shuts internet fans