Ahmed Shehzad labels Rizwan's decision "childish" after tri-nation final loss

Pakistan opening batter Ahmed Shehzad has strongly criticized white-ball captain Mohammad Rizwan’s tactical decisions after losing Tri-Nation series final against New Zealand on Friday, February 14. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Shehzad slammed Rizwan’s choice to bat first in the match, calling it a “brainless decision” that lacked understanding of the pitch conditions.

Pakistan opted to set a target rather than chase, despite knowing that the pitch conditions favored batting in the second innings. This decision ultimately led to a five-wicket defeat in the final.

“Pakistan’s bubble has burst ahead of the Champions Trophy,” Shehzad said. 

“It was a mind-boggling decision to bat first, especially after we had seen in the previous match that the pitch becomes better for batting at night. The ball doesn’t grip for spinners. Still, the team decided to bat first—no clue.,” Ahmed Shehzad said. 

The 33-year-old also expressed his frustration with Rizwan’s team selection, particularly the decision to leave out a specialist bowler in favor of an all-rounder. Shehzad argued that this weakened the team’s bowling attack and that Rizwan’s cautious approach favored a deep batting lineup over a well-balanced team.

“In every decision, the Pakistan captain wants to play it safe with batting,” Shehzad explained. 

“Whether it’s not having enough spinners in the Champions Trophy squad or, in this match, playing Faheem Ashraf as an all-rounder to strengthen the batting at the expense of Mohammad Hasnain. Yet, Ashraf only bowled two overs,” he added. 

Shehzad warned that such “childish decisions” could hurt Pakistan’s chances in the upcoming Champions Trophy.

“In a final, making childish decisions and errors will cost you,” he further added. 

“You only get a chance to win when the opposition doesn’t play well or is missing key players,” he added. 

Pakistan lost the tri-nation ODI series final to New Zealand on Friday at the National Bank Stadium. Opting to bat first, Pakistan was bowled out for 242. Rizwan and vice-captain Salman Ali Agha were the top scorers, contributing 46 and 45 runs, respectively. 

New Zealand comfortably chased down the target in 45.2 overs, losing five wickets, with strong contributions from Daryl Mitchell and Tom Latham, who scored 57 and 56 runs, respectively.