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'Need To Improve Fielding': Mohammad Rizwan Takes Dig At Pakistan After NZ Loss

Akshita Patel

Mohammad Rizwan reflects on Pakistan's loss vs New Zealand [Source: AP Photos]Mohammad Rizwan reflects on Pakistan's loss vs New Zealand [Source: AP Photos]

Pakistan white-ball team captain Mohammad Rizwan criticised his squad after the humiliating 78-run defeat against New Zealand in the ODI tri-series. Rizwan said the pitch was difficult to bat on and that his players lacked fielding skills.

In the first ODI of the tri-series, New Zealand beat Pakistan by 78 runs at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Chasing 331, the host team lacked intent. Besides Fakhar Zaman’s 84 off 69 balls, no Pakistani batter scored more than 40 runs to eventually fall short of 78 runs.

Amid this, Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan has pulled up his team over abysmal efforts in the field. 

Rizwan unimpressed with Pakistan’s fielding

Mohammad Rizwan spoke to a press after the game and emphasised the need for sharper fielding efforts to support bowlers, suggesting that poor fielding cost them crucial moments. 

“When we focus on what we need to improve on, we need to work on our fielding," Rizwan said via Cricket Pakistan.

Moreover, Rizwan also added that the pitch became difficult to bat on and credits centurion Glenn Phillips for putting up a good show.

“When we lose, it looks difficult only. When we were bowling, the wicket looked a bit difficult. The way Phillips batted was outstanding. As a batting unit, we need to analyze the situation and bat accordingly. We need to stitch good partnerships when wickets are falling,” he added.

New Zealand will take on South Africa next on Monday at the same venue before Pakistan faces South Africa on February 12. The top two teams will play a final on February 14 to stake claim on the trophy.

Mohammad Rizwan shares update on Haris Rauf’s injury

Pakistan suffered a big blow in the first ODI vs New Zealand as Haris Rauf walked off the field after bowling 6.2 overs with a potential injury. Meanwhile, sharing an update, captain Rizwan said the injury is unserious.

"There's no confirmation yet but it's not a serious injury," the skipper said.

Rauf didn’t return to the field to complete his spell and wasn’t fit enough to come out to bat in the second inning.