Published: Jan 16, 2016, 04:49 PM (IST)
Edited: Jan 16, 2016, 04:49 PM (IST)
Wellington: Pakistan’s head coach Waqar Younis has heaped praise on enigmatic Twenty20 International (T20I) skipper Shahid Afridi, who won them the first T20 against New Zealand at Eden Park. Pakistan started their tour to New Zealand on a winning note as they claimed a 16-run win in the opening T20I of the three-match series at Eden Park yesterday. Waqar said in the last 20 years, Afridi has been a wonderful leader as well as achiever for Pakistan, Stuff.co.nz reported. LIVE FULL SCORECARD: New Zealand vs Pakistan, 2nd t20I at Hamilton
The 44-year-old said that Afridi will leave a significant hole in his side when he retires at the end of the World T20 to be played in March in India. He, however, said that every good thing has to come to an end. The Pakistan coach, who was pleased with the performance of the team, stressed that following the win, there was a good atmosphere in the Pakistan dressing room and they were confident they could carry it on throughout the rest of the tour. Following the defeat, Black Caps coach Mike Hesson felt that game was one that got away from the home side.
Chasing 172 for victory, the hosts lost by 16 runs and will rue a middle order batting collapse where they lost five wickets for only 19 runs. Colin Munro gave the Kiwis a chance with another display of power hitting in his 56 from 27 balls but it was not enough. Hesson said that New Zealand batters succumbed to pressure and made some poor decisions after Colin Munro’s dismissal, and that was something that the team needs to rectify. Pakistan have taken a 1-0 lead in the series and will play their next match against New Zealand on Sunday in Hamilton.
