Pakistan’s heavy defeat against New Zealand in the second ODI on Wednesday further highlighted their batting and bowling issues, with top-order being completely shattered by New Zealand’s suffocating bowling attack. Over the last few months, Pakistan have been performing underwhelmingly, with Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and other top-order batters being in the eye of the storm.
In the second ODI, chasing a total of 292, Pakistan’s entire batting lineup collapsed, but it was all-rounder Faheem Ashraf who blitzed 73 to revive Pakistan’s chase. And, lower in the order, Naseem Shah smacked 51, but it wasn’t enough for Pakistan to get over the line as they were bowled out for 208 in 41.2 overs. Speaking after the match, Faheem Ashraf asserted that players need to play in cohesion and support each other.
“Look, each and every one of us is also trying to make the team win. In my opinion, when you focus only on your personal game, or if I come in, do my part, and step aside, that's not how it works,” Faheem Ashraf said during the press conference.
“As a team, we need to back each other rather than just focusing on individual performances and then stepping aside,” he said.
With the 84-run victory, New Zealand also sealed the series 2-0, leaving the third match a dead rubber. Mitchell Hay was the star of the show for New Zealand, launching (99* off 78). And their bowling was effectively led by Ben Sear, who returned with his first fifer in ODIs.