Agha Admits Pakistan Was Outplayed, Calls for Improvement After New Zealand T20I Loss

Pakistan Suffers Crushing Defeat Against New Zealand in 4th T20I, Series Conceded 3-1

By DTD- On Mar 23, 2025

Bay Oval: Pakistan’s hopes of a series comeback were dashed as New Zealand’s bowlers exploited the favorable conditions under lights, leading to a commanding victory in the fourth T20I. Pakistan, chasing a daunting 221-run target, were bowled out for just 115, handing New Zealand a dominant 105-run win. With this loss, Pakistan conceded the five-match series 3-1.

Pakistan captain, Salman Ali Agha, acknowledged that New Zealand‘s bowlers outclassed his team, taking full advantage of the swinging and turning conditions. “They bowled really well and outplayed us,” Agha said in the post-match press conference. “The ball was swinging and turning, but as international cricketers, we must adapt and perform better,” he added.

Agha emphasized the need for his team to regroup and focus on delivering a stronger performance in the final T20I. “We need to regroup and win the last game,” he stated.

Pakistan’s chase got off to a disastrous start, with opener Mohammad Haris dismissed for just two runs in the first over. Jacob Duffy then struck twice in quick succession, removing Hasan Nawaz and Salman Ali Agha for single-digit scores, leaving Pakistan reeling at 9-3.

The collapse continued as Shadab Khan departed for one run, and although Irfan Khan Niazi fought hard with a quick 24 off 16 balls, Pakistan’s innings faltered further. The team could not recover, eventually being bowled out for just 115.

Earlier, New Zealand’s openers got off to a fast start, racing to 59 runs in just 4.1 overs. Despite a breakthrough from Haris Rauf, dismissing Tim Seifert for 44, Finn Allen’s explosive 50 off 19 balls kept the momentum going. A strong partnership between Michael Bracewell and Mitchell Santner, who added 68 runs, powered New Zealand past the 200-run mark.

Haris Rauf finished with three wickets, while Abbas Afridi and Abrar Ahmed contributed with important breakthroughs. Despite their efforts, New Zealand posted an imposing total, leaving Pakistan with little chance of a successful chase.

With the series already lost, Pakistan will now look to salvage some pride in the fifth and final T20I, hoping to end the series on a high note.