Pakistan's bowling coach Azhar Mahmood has expressed concerns about the bowling unit's recent performances, admitting that as a group, they have not been delivering the expected results.
While addressing to the media in Wallington on Tuesday, Azhar was optimistic to finish the series on a positive note.
He also hinted at one or two changes in the playing XI for the final match of the series, as the team looks to improve its performance.
He stated, "We need to understand that bowling, like batting, requires teamwork. All three bowlers need to perform together. While one bowler may bowl well, others are not always able to deliver the same level of performance."
Mahmood emphasized the importance of consistency among the bowlers to achieve better results, something that has been lacking in recent matches.
He also discussed individual performances, mentioning that Haris Rauf had bowled exceptionally well in the matches, but the rest of the bowlers were unable to maintain that level.
"Our job is to motivate the players, and we are working hard to ensure that we finish the series with a 3-2 result," he said.
"We have lost the series, we're not out of any tournament," he added.
Mahmood further addressed the unfortunate circumstances surrounding Shaheen Afridi's performance, explaining that while Shaheen's deliveries were edged, it did not result in a wicket. He also noted that the pitch conditions had more bounce than usual, which added another challenge for the bowlers.
Reflecting on the New Zealand series, Mahmood highlighted the challenges the batsmen faced with bounce and pace. He advised the batsmen not to fight against the pace but to use it to their advantage. For the bowlers, he instructed them to maintain a specific length, ensuring they could exploit the conditions effectively.
With a young squad still in the learning phase, Mahmood is hopeful for improvements in the final T20I and remains focused on motivating the players.
The bowling coach is working towards securing a stronger finish for Pakistan in the series, despite the challenges they have faced so far.
The final T20I of the series will be played tomorrow, March 26, in Wellington.
New Zealand ODI squad
Having gained an unassailable lead in the ongoing five-T20I series against Pakistan, the hosts have named their squad for the upcoming ODIs. Tom Latham will take over as skipper in the upcoming three-match ODI series against Pakistan, with white-ball skipper Mitchell Santner missing out.
While eight of the 13 players named in the squad featured in New Zealand's ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025 squad, multiple fresh faces also earned call-ups for the home side.
Top-order batter Nick Kelly and left-arm pacer Muhammad Abbas, both of whom play for Wellington Firebirds in New Zealand's first-class circuit, have earned their maiden call-ups to the national side.
Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway, Glenn Phillips and Santner all missed out, given their IPL commitments, while veteran Kane Williamson was unavailable for selection.
Will Young, who forged a century in the opening game of the Champions Trophy against Pakistan, will join Kelly at the top of the order while Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell and Nathan Smith will form the middle order.
In the bowling department, Will O'Rourke, Jacob Duffy, Nathan Smith and Ben Sears will feature in a four-prong pace attack with both Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson missing out.
Henry is undergoing rehabilitation from a right shoulder injury, which led to him missing out on featuring in the Champions Trophy Final earlier this month.
Jamieson, meanwhile, has been rested with the selectors managing his workload.
In the spin department, all-rounder Bracewell will be joined by 22-year-old Auckland Aces leg spinner Adi Ashok, who has received his second call-up to the ODI squad, having made his debut against Bangladesh in 2023.
New Zealand will play the first ODI against Pakistan on Saturday, 29 March in Napier.
New Zealand squad: Tom Latham (c), Muhammad Abbas, Adi Ashok, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Mitch Hay, Nick Kelly, Daryl Mitchell, Will O'Rourke, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Will Young.
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