Pakistan bounce back in the 5th Twenty20 against New Zealand

 Pakistan bounced back in the Twenty20 international series against New Zealand in the 5th twenty20 international to draw the series 2-2. When the series started Pakistan were the favourites but it was seen that no team can be taken lightly at international level.

  Babar Azam found useful partners with first Usman Khan and then Fakhar Zaman to post a fighting total of 178 against New Zealand. Once Usama Mir got the wicket of Tim Seifert who scored an important 52 runs New Zealand collapsed to 125 for 7 chasing 178 with Shaheen Afridi doing most of the damage with figures of 4 for 30.

  In the end what I will like to say is that if Pakistan perform like they did against New Zealand in this home series in the 2nd Twenty20 International and in the 5th Twenty20 international they would do well In Sha Allah in the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup in June.

Pakistan so far having a terrible year in cricket

 Pakistan cricket team having a terrible 2024 so far. The year began with a defeat to Australia in the third Sydney test match, then losing to New Zealand 4-1 in the Twenty20 series away from home and are now on the verge of losing another series this time at home to a second string New Zealand team.

A lot has to do with the mindset of Pakistani players in their pathetic performances so far this year. Pakistani players come onto the ground with a losing mindset. This mindset affects their performance. Pakistan in the current series against New Zealand have been experimenting with different combinations in every match so far in the series. Pakistan should have stuck with the winning side in the Second Twenty20 international and also Mohammad Rizwan their regular wicket keeper is injured which doesnt help matters.

I hope Pakistan turns things around in the next international twenty20 series against England and hopefully perform well in the Twenty20 World Cup to be held in West Indies and USA in June this year that is 2024.

First Three Twenty20 Internationals NewZealand tour of Pakistan

 The Pakistan - New Zealand Series is so far even at 1-1. Given that Pakistan absolutely thrashed New Zealand in the 2nd Twenty20 international by 7 wickets bowling New Zealand to a very low total of 90. I was surprised that in just one day after absolutely dominating New Zealand in the 2nd Twenty20 international Pakistan's performance will nose dive to badly lose to New Zealand by 7 wickets in the 3rd Twenty20 International.

Given that New Zealand is playing almost a second string side with several key players playing in Indian Premier League Pakistan's performance in the 3rd Twenty20 international was pathetic to say the least. Pakistan's total of 178 was low given that Rawalpindi is a high scoring ground and their bowling was pathetic clearly missing Mohammad Amir. Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah's bowling was erratic as they were hit to all parts of the ground.

In the end what I would like to say is that Pakistan clearly need to show consistency in their performance and they should not disturb a winning combination.

Bringing back Babar Azam as captain

 Bringing back Babar Azam back as captain was a good choice by the Pakistan Cricket Board. Babar Azam is back as captain in the white ball formats of the sport. Babar Azam will lead Pakistan in the Twenty20 World Cup to be held in West Indies and USA in June 2024 instead of Shaheen Afridi who was made captain of the Twenty20 side just for the abroad series against New Zealand.

Babar Azam is a better choice of captain instead of Shaheen Afridi because Shaheen Afridi is inexperienced at international level in Twenty20 cricket whereas Babar Azam has plenty of exposure in Twenty20 cricket at international level captaincy wise.

Given that Babar Azam has a decent record as captain of white ball cricket formats. I recommend Babar Azam to stay as captain in Twenty20 Internationals and One day internationals for as long as possible.