KARACHI: With the three-match ODI series on line against hosts New Zealand, Pakistan’s ODI skipper Azhar Ali has said that the team will try not to repeat the mistakes from the first encounter when the two sides meet on Thursday in Napier.
Despite reducing New Zealand to 99 for six in the first ODI, Pakistan failed to finish the job as Azhar opted to bowl himself instead of attacking the Kiwis’ tail with his premium pacers.
1st ODI: New Zealand win against Pakistan by 70 runs
This provided the cushion for New Zealand to rebuild their innings as the visitors conceded 71 runs in the last five overs of the match. A target of 281 runs was set for the Azhar and his men which proved enough to turn the tables on Pakistan.
In the chase, Babar Azam (62) looked a different class while Mohammad Hafeez (42) and Sarfaraz Ahmed (30) played good hands, but none could take Pakistan home as they lost by 70 runs.
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“We’ll try not to repeat the same mistakes from the last match and improve our overall game for the second ODI,” said Azhar.
“The team had a good opportunity to bowl out New Zealand cheaply and win the match but we failed to capitalise on it. – Agencies
