“If we had batted first, the result could have been worse,” he added. “The pitch wasn’t one where batting first was ideal. It came down to our execution with the new ball, which fell short.”
Pattern of Inconsistency
This ODI series loss follows a 4-1 defeat in the T20I leg of the tour and a winless run in the recently concluded ICC Champions Trophy 2025, hosted in Pakistan. Rizwan noted a consistent flaw in the team’s performance — fading after the 40-over mark in ODIs.
“We’re usually in control until around the 40th over. But from there, we lose momentum,” Rizwan admitted. “This happened during the Champions Trophy and the tri-series against New Zealand and South Africa too. The challenge now is to sustain the same intensity from start to finish.”
Read: Naseem Shah’s Heroics Shine Despite Pakistan’s Defeat
Inability to Finish Games
Pakistan’s inability to close out matches was again evident in the final ODI at Mount Maunganui. Chasing 265 in a rain-reduced 42-over game, the visitors started well. Babar Azam scored a fluent half-century, but a flurry of wickets in the middle and lower order derailed the chase, handing New Zealand a 43-run win.
When asked about the lack of finishing touches from experienced players like himself and Babar, Rizwan didn’t deflect the criticism. “We need improvement there. No excuses,” he said. “We’re not finishing games, and that’s hurting us in tight situations.”
A Call for Accountability
Rizwan urged the team and management to address the deeper issues behind the losses. He emphasized the importance of consistent performances across all 50 overs and called for better mental and tactical resilience.
“This isn’t just about one match or one series. It’s about fixing the areas where we repeatedly fall short,” he stated. “We have the talent. Now it’s about delivering under pressure — every time.”
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