Pakistan’s recent T20 series in New Zealand ended in disappointment, as the visiting side succumbed to a 4-1 series defeat. The team struggled to find consistency, exposing weaknesses in both batting and bowling. Meanwhile, New Zealand dominated the series with their well-rounded performances, capitalizing on Pakistan’s shortcomings. The final match saw Pakistan attempting to salvage some pride, setting a total of 178 for 5, with captain Babar Azam leading from the front with a 43-ball 69. Fakhar Zaman’s 43 and a late flourish from Shadab Khan ensured a competitive score. However, New Zealand’s chase was powered by Tim Seifert, whose aggressive 52 off 33 balls kept them in the hunt. Pakistan’s bowlers, particularly Shaheen Shah Afridi, who claimed 4 for 30, finally delivered a strong performance, restricting New Zealand to 169 and securing a 9-run consolation win. This lone victory, however, could not mask the overall failures of the tour, which saw Pakistan outclassed in almost every aspect of the game.
Babar Azam remained Pakistan’s most consistent performer, but his efforts were often in vain due to a lack of support from the middle order. Shaheen Shah Afridi’s fiery spells were another positive, earning him the Player of the Series award. Despite these individual contributions, Pakistan’s batting order frequently collapsed, failing to capitalize on good starts. Their death bowling was another glaring weakness, with runs leaking in the final overs, allowing New Zealand to chase targets with relative ease. Fakhar Zaman, though showing promise with his aggressive approach, was hindered by injuries, disrupting the team’s balance. The absence of a dependable all-rounder and poor fielding further compounded Pakistan’s struggles, with missed catches and misfields proving costly.
New Zealand, on the other hand, displayed superior consistency throughout the series. Tim Seifert was a standout performer, providing explosive starts at the top of the order. Will Young and Tom Latham also played crucial innings, with their contributions helping New Zealand dominate Pakistan’s bowling attack. Glenn Phillips was instrumental in the field, pulling off a stunning catch that further demoralized the visitors. The Kiwis’ ability to execute plans efficiently, particularly in the death overs, was a significant factor in their series win. Their bowling attack remained disciplined, with well-placed fielding strategies and tight lines restricting Pakistan’s batsmen.
Pakistan’s struggles did not end in New Zealand. The team carried its poor form into the Champions Trophy, which was hosted in February and March in Pakistan. What should have been an opportunity for redemption on home soil quickly turned into another disappointment. Pakistan’s campaign in the tournament was marred by inconsistent performances, tactical blunders, and a failure to adapt under pressure. The team was expected to use familiar conditions to their advantage, but instead, they crumbled against higher-ranked teams. Their batting frailties continued, with collapses at crucial junctures preventing them from posting competitive totals.
The opening match against New Zealand in the Champions Trophy was a stark reminder of their weaknesses. Pakistan suffered a 60-run defeat, with Will Young and Tom Latham once again tormenting their bowling attack. The bowling unit failed to contain runs in the death overs, an issue that had plagued them throughout the New Zealand tour. In response, the batting order failed to chase down a manageable target, with reckless shot selection and poor running between the wickets further highlighting their deficiencies. The middle order, which had been exposed in the T20 series, continued to struggle, leaving too much pressure on the likes of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan.
Fielding lapses remained a major concern in both the New Zealand tour and the Champions Trophy. Missed chances allowed opposition batsmen to settle and build momentum, making it even harder for Pakistan’s bowlers to control the game. The team’s inability to execute a clear strategy was evident, as they lacked the adaptability needed in modern cricket. Injuries also played a role, with Fakhar Zaman struggling for fitness and other key players failing to make an impact. Captaincy decisions came under scrutiny, as the team failed to make tactical adjustments during crucial moments.
Despite high hopes for a strong showing in the Champions Trophy on home soil, Pakistan’s campaign ended in disappointment, much like their tour of New Zealand. The same weaknesses—batting collapses, poor death bowling, and lack of fielding discipline—cost them dearly. While individual brilliance from Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi occasionally offered glimpses of hope, cricket is ultimately a team sport, and Pakistan failed to deliver as a unit.
Looking ahead, the team must address these recurring issues if they hope to compete at the highest level. The coaching staff needs to work on the players’ mental toughness, particularly in handling pressure situations. Strengthening the middle order, improving fielding standards, and developing a solid death-bowling plan should be top priorities. If Pakistan wants to avoid further embarrassments on the international stage, a complete overhaul of their approach and team selection may be necessary.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Coverpage’s editorial stance.
