The high hopes of Pakistani cricket fans were dashed as New Zealand avoided a series whitewash against the hosts at the national cricket ground with a victory in the fifth One-Day International (ODI).
Although the Men in Green won the series 4-1, Sunday’s defeat proved that the national team’s reign at the top of the International Cricket Council (ICC) men’s ODI rankings is short-lived, as they It slipped to No. 3 just 48 hours after making the claim. This is the first time in history.
Expressing regret over the loss, Pakistan’s power hitter Iftikhar Ahmed apologized to the cricket fans.
“I’m sorry Pakistan, we should have finished on the right side of the match, but it wasn’t to be,” said the right-handed batsman.
I am sorry Pakistan. We should’ve ended on the right side of the match, but it wasn’t to be. Nevertheless, I am enjoying my cricket and thankful for the return to ODI arena. #IftiMania pic.twitter.com/7QVlhRrDB5
— Iftikhar Ahmad (@IftiMania) May 7, 2023
However, he added that he is enjoying cricket and is grateful to be back in ODIs.
On Sunday, Iftikhar put in a solid effort in Pakistan’s pursuit of the 300-run target but wickets kept falling at regular intervals, making it difficult for the home side to secure a victory.
The right-handed middle-order batsman remained unbeaten on 94 which included eight fours and two maximums. But, their efforts went in vain as the Kiwis restricted Pakistan to 252 runs.
Agha Salman of the home side also stood out and scored 57 runs. Agha and Iftikhar put on a 97-run partnership to take Pakistan back into the contest after losing wickets quickly.
Henry Shipley and Rachin Ravindra took three wickets each, contributing to New Zealand’s victory.
In a historic achievement, Pakistan beat New Zealand by a huge margin of 102 runs in the fourth ODI on Friday to claim the No. 1 ranking. This victory pushed them behind India and Australia to the highest position in ODI cricket.
However, their hold on the throne was short-lived as a comfortable win by the Kiwis dashed their hopes of a complete series whitewash and dropped them from the summit.
Currently, Australia tops the rankings with 113 points, followed by India at No. 2, with 113 points. Pakistan is now at the third position with 112 points.
