Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan has urged his team to move forward after a disappointing 3-0 ODI series defeat against New Zealand, calling on players and fans to look ahead to the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 10.
Speaking after the final match, Rizwan admitted that the series outcome was hard to digest.
He acknowledged New Zealand’s dominance, crediting them for excelling in all departments and winning key moments throughout the series.
Despite Babar Azam’s two half-centuries, Rizwan said the team failed to capitalise when it mattered most.
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He emphasised the importance of putting recent setbacks—including the Champions Trophy—behind them and viewed the PSL as a fresh opportunity for players to bounce back and reconnect with supporters.
In the third and final ODI, Pakistan were chasing a revised target of 265 in a rain-shortened 42-over match.
The innings began on a poor note when Imam-ul-Haq was forced to retire hurt. Usman Khan replaced him but was dismissed for just 12 runs.
Babar Azam and Abdullah Shafique steadied the chase with a 68-run stand, but both were dismissed after making 50 and 33, respectively.
Rizwan added 37 runs, while Agha Salman and Faheem Ashraf failed to provide stability. Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 221 in 40 overs, falling 43 runs short.
Naseem Shah offered brief resistance with a 17-run cameo, but the lower order collapsed quickly.
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Earlier, New Zealand recovered from a slow start thanks to Rhys Mariu’s 58 and captain Michael Bracewell’s unbeaten 59, ending on 264-8.
Despite tidy spells from Akif Javed, Faheem Ashraf, and Naseem Shah, Pakistan couldn’t contain the hosts.
With the series now behind them, all eyes are on PSL 10, where Rizwan hopes the team can find form and bring joy to cricket fans across the country.