Pakistan have failed to win a bilateral T20I series at home to New Zealand. If we shall reframe, Pakistan have failed to win a bilateral T20I series at home to New Zealand's C-side. The hosts can draw the series at best, after going down 2-1 after four matches.
New Zealand put up a fighting total of 178/7 after being put into bat. Tim Robinson scored a half-century (51), and was helped by Tom Blundell (28), Dean Foxcroft (34), and Michael Bracewell (27).
In response, Pakistan fell short by four runs, scoring 174 in their 20 overs. Fakhar Zaman took things into his own hands after a batting-order collapse in Lahore. Zaman scored 61 from 45, but his effort had Pakistan lose the game only by a minimal margin.
All of this, right before the T20I World Cup. Moreover, Pakistan skipper Babar Azam has decided to come up with a bizarre excuse after his side emerged second-best to the Kiwis on Thursday in Lahore.
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What did Babar Azam say after PAK's loss in 4th T20I against NZ?
Skipper Babar Azam defended his side after they faced their second consecutive loss against a New Zealand 'C' side. The 30-year-old confessed to the media about the team's 'test bench strength' choice.
Azam believes that testing bench strength will help the team give their best performances in the upcoming T20I World Cup in June 2024.
We bowled well against NZ in 4th T20. The target was chasable but unfortunately our batting collapsed. Our plan is to test our bench strength, Babar expressed after the loss in 4th T20I.
We want to play with different combinations so that we are ready with the best combination before T20 WorldCup 2024, Babar Azam stated in the post-match conference.
MORE: Is Pakistan ready for T20 WC? Babar Azam's side suffer consecutive losses against NZ 'C' side
What next for Pakistan and New Zealand?
Pakistan will host New Zealand for one last time in this bilateral series in a tournament-decider game. The fifth and final T20I match will be held on April 27, 2024, at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
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