Shadab Khan addresses performance hurdles after recent T20I loss to New Zealand

After Pakistan's disappointing loss to New Zealand in the third T20 International match, all-rounder, Shadab Khan, has addressed the challenges faced by the team, particularly focusing on performance consistency in the T20 format.

During the post-match press conference held at Pindi Cricket Stadium, Khan acknowledged the difficulties in maintaining high performance in the shortest format of the game, which demands not only skill but rapid adaptability.

"I have played one-down and two-down in the PSL and that's where I think I am most comfortable. But I'm also fine with being used as a floater,” Shadab said.

“If I get a chance, the planning will be the same - I'm the sort of player who will look to make quick runs. Sometimes, you need impactful innings, especially in T20 cricket nowadays. Making runs consistently in T20 cricket isn't difficult, but playing impactful innings is difficult,” he added.

Despite Pakistan setting a solid target of 178 with the loss of only four wickets in the first innings, New Zealand staged a remarkable turnaround. 

Shadab played a quickfire innings of 41 off 20 balls, which included sixes and boundaries. The opening duo of Babar Azam (37) and Saim Ayub (32) also contributed with a fifty-run partnership.

Mark Chapman of New Zealand played a pivotal role in reviving his team's chances in the series, guiding the visitors to a seven-wicket victory. This win levels the series at 1-1, with two more matches to be played in Lahore at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium on the upcoming dates of April 25 and 27.