He said the series was primarily seen as a chance to build towards the T20 World Cup in June but it would have been a setback to lose five from five
21 January, 2024
PHOTO: AFP
Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi said it was "very important" his team avoided a whitewash series loss to New Zealand after winning the fifth and final Twenty20 International by 42 runs on Sunday.
The Black Caps capitulated for 92 in the face of some quality Pakistan spin bowling, having been favoured to chase down the tourists' 134-8.
Pakistan lost the five-match series 4-1 but Shaheen was pleased his first stint as captain had ended on a winning note, after being outplayed through the first four games.
He said the series was primarily seen as a chance to build towards the T20 World Cup in June but it would have been a setback to lose five from five.
"Today's game was very important for us. We needed that as a unit to step forward," Shaheen said in the post-match press conference.
"In the first four games, there were a lot of collapses, as a fielding unit, as a batting unit, but I think today we played as a team and we needed that win," he added.
Shaheen explained the strategy of exploring different player combinations and providing opportunities to youngsters, citing the example of Haseebullah, who was given a chance in the final match to boost his confidence for future home series.
"It's not easy for any team to come here. And I think our mind is on the World Cup. We're just checking out every spot for every player and giving chances to youngsters. For example, we gave Haseebullah chance today. Our aim was that he gets a chance and gets confidence from here, so that when Pakistan plays a home series, he can perform over there," he said.
When asked about potential talents identified during the series, Shaheen pointed out two promising individuals.
"Abbas Afridi is a very good fielder and a batsman. His bowling is already good. He can bring more stability in the bowling unit. He is always looking for an opportunity to get a game and give his best. In today’s match as well, he was useful with the bat. Abbas Afridi is a very good prospect for Pakistan," Shaheen said.
"Saim Ayub is another. Although he couldn’t perform the way it was expected off him, but he has the ability to serve Pakistan well," he added.
🏏 Tough series loss, no doubt. Losing is never easy, but I couldn't be prouder of my team. We've backed our players and our game plans throughout. 💪
— Shaheen Shah Afridi (@iShaheenAfridi) January 21, 2024
🌟 We've given new talents a chance and explored different combinations. It's all part of the journey. 🔄
🤞 I have full faith… pic.twitter.com/rcLuKSbs2C
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