Pakistan’s T20I captain Shaheen Afridi heaped high praise on young opening batter Saim Ayub despite losing the T20I series against New Zealand.
Pakistan suffered a 45-run loss in the third T20I match in Dunedin, courtesy of Finn Allen’s blistering 137 runs from 62 balls.
New Zealand attained an unassailable lead of 3-0 in the five-match series after thumping Pakistan in the first two matches.
During the post-match press conference, Shaheen Afridi lauded Saim Ayub, who showed glimpses of his talent during the series.
“Saim can be a very big star. He has the ability and hunger to do well for Pakistan. He always gives his best, even in the nets,” said Afridi.
“In these conditions, it’s not always easy for a young kid. We need to give him some time.”
Saim Ayub played a quick cameo of 27 runs from eight balls in the first match, featuring three sixes and two boundaries.
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Shaheen Afridi also backed hard-hitting wicket-keeper Azam Khan, who is yet to set the stage on fire in the series, scoring 22 runs from three innings.
“Azam [Khan] is the best performer in domestic cricket at #5/6. His average and strike rate is the best in Pakistan at these positions. If we give these players proper opportunities, they can go on to do well for Pakistan,” Shaheen mentioned.
Upon being asked about his decision to bowl, Shaheen Afridi justified the decision, citing the ground’s history as the core reason.
“This ground’s history, both in international and domestic cricket, showed us that chasing is easier here. After consultation as a team, we thought it would be better to bowl first,” said Afridi.
“Unfortunately, we didn’t deliver in the powerplay as a bowling unit, and our bowling has collapsed in these three games. However, we need to give this team time if we are to think about the big events ahead.”
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