In the aftermath of Pakistan’s disheartening T20I series defeat to Australia, opening batter Ahmed Shehzad has expressed his frustration over the team’s performance, particularly in the third and final match in Hobart.
Taking to social media platform X, Shehzad called for significant changes to the squad. He urged selectors to prioritize younger talent from the domestic circuit ahead of the upcoming series against South Africa.
"This team needs a revamp, Senior players who are baggage on the team must be replaced. Getting whitewashed by this Australian side is shameful, horrible, & embarrassing to say the least. Australia chased Pakistan's total in just 11.2 overs. This is what modern-day cricket is. Our players lack power. There is no answer for such a horrible performance. For the upcoming South African series let's see if Pakistan will go with the same failed players or will selectors choose younger talent from the domestic circuit, and drop senior players. Changes must be made to both the batting and bowling department," Shehzad posted.
The final T20I encapsulated Pakistan’s struggles. After opting to bat, the team was bundled out for a meager 117 in 18.1 overs. Babar Azam stood out with a fighting knock of 41 runs off 28 balls, including four boundaries at a strike rate of 146.42. Haseebullah Khan contributed a quickfire 24 off 19 balls.
Australia’s bowlers dominated, with Aaron Hardie claiming 3 wickets, while Spencer Johnson and Adam Zampa grabbed two scalps each.
In response, Australia chased the target in just 11.2 overs, led by a blistering 61 off 27 balls from Marcus Stoinis, whose innings featured five boundaries and five sixes. Skipper Josh Inglis added 27 runs. Shaheen Afridi, Jahandad Khan, and Abbas Afridi picked up a wicket each, but their efforts couldn’t prevent a crushing loss.
In the T20I series opener, Pakistan fell 14 runs short, bowled out for 134 while chasing 148. In a rain-affected 2nd T20I match, Australia successfully defended just 94 runs, limiting Pakistan to 64/9.
Pakistan’s tour began on a high note, with the team winning the ODI series 2-1—marking their first ODI series win in Australia in 22 years.