Tri-series: Rizwan slams team's performance after loss to NZ
What's the story
Pakistan's white-ball captain Mohammad Rizwan voiced his disappointment following the team's 78-run defeat to New Zealand in the opening match of the ODI tri-series at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, where New Zealand set a challenging target of 331 runs.
Despite Fakhar Zaman's brilliant 84 off 69 balls, the rest of Pakistan's batting line-up couldn't go past 40 runs each.
Meanwhile, this resulted in a massive 78-run shortfall and an eventual defeat for the hosts.
Here's what the skipper had to say.
Fielding concerns
Rizwan highlights fielding flaws in post-match press conference
In a post-match press conference, Rizwan stressed the team's fielding shortcomings as a major reason behind their defeat.
He stressed on the need to improve fielding to back bowlers during critical phases of the game.
"When we focus on what we need to improve on, we need to work on our fielding," Rizwan said via Cricket Pakistan.
This reiterates his opinion that better fielding could have possibly changed the result of the match against New Zealand.
Pitch difficulties
Rizwan acknowledges challenging pitch conditions
Rizwan also admitted the batting conditions on the pitch were difficult. He lauded New Zealand's Glenn Phillips for his brilliant show under the circumstances.
"When we lose, it looks difficult only. When we were bowling, the wicket looked a bit difficult," he said.
This admission shows Rizwan acknowledges both internal and external factors behind their defeat in this ODI against New Zealand.
Injury update
Rizwan provides update on Haris Rauf's injury
Apart from the team's performance woes, Pakistan also suffered an injury blow during the match.
Bowler Haris Rauf was forced to leave the field after bowling just 6.2 overs due to a possible injury.
However, Rizwan offered some comfort regarding Rauf's condition in his post-match remarks.
"There's no confirmation yet but it's not a serious injury," he said, suggesting Rauf's case isn't as bad as feared.
Match recap
New Zealand down Pakistan in ODI tri-series opener
As mentioned NZ won the first ODI tri-series match by 78 runs.
Batting first, the Kiwis posted a mammoth score of 330/6. Half-centurions Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, and centurion Phillips dominated the show.
In response, Pakistan saw Zaman score a fiery half-century. However, nobody else stood up as New Zealand gained control, winning the contest.
Shaheen Afridi finished with 3/88 from his 10 overs. NZ captain Santner claimed 3/41 from his 10 overs.