April 3, 2025: Former cricketer Basit Ali has expressed his disappointment with Pakistan’s performance during the second ODI in Hamilton against New Zealand, criticizing both the team’s efforts and Mohammad Rizwan’s leadership. Ali, who was visibly upset with Pakistan’s continued poor form in international cricket, questioned the brand of cricket that the Men in Green exhibited, particularly in the face of mounting pressure.
The team’s dismal performance continued after a series loss in the T20Is, with Pakistan entering the ODI leg after a 4-1 defeat. Despite having a final opportunity to bounce back in the second ODI, the team failed to rise to the occasion. A dominant knock by Mitchell Hay in the first innings and an exceptional bowling performance from Ben Sears, who took a five-wicket haul, left Pakistan struggling throughout the game.
By the time they were 65/6 in response to New Zealand’s total, the odds were stacked heavily against them. A valiant counter-attacking effort from Faheem Ashraf (73) and Naseem Shah (51) provided some hope, but it wasn’t enough. Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 208, handing New Zealand an unassailable 2-0 series lead.
Ali did not hold back in his criticism, especially pointing to Rizwan’s poor captaincy. He felt betrayed by the team’s lackluster approach and even suggested that Pakistan should forfeit the third match, acknowledging New Zealand’s dominance and Pakistan’s inability to compete.
“Pakistan team has betrayed us. I don’t know what era of cricket we are playing. Pakistan made a strong comeback after Mitchell’s dismissal but poor captaincy. This is not a Pakistan team; that’s all I can say,” Ali said on his YouTube channel.
Ali also pointed out the dismal batting performance from Pakistan’s top-order, with only Tayyab Tahir (13) managing to reach double digits. Key players like Babar Azam (1), Abdullah Shafique (1), and Mohammad Rizwan (5) failed to contribute. Ali suggested that Pakistan should have considered giving up and returning home instead of continuing to struggle.
“The Bradmans from one to six were in single digits apart from Tayyab Tahir. I feel that instead of playing the third match, Pakistan should say, ‘You win, so let us go back to our home; we are homesick.’ This is New Zealand’s C team,” Ali remarked.
With the series now beyond their grasp, Pakistan will look to salvage something from the final match at Bay Oval on Saturday. However, given the team’s current form and the mounting pressure, many are wondering whether they can finish on a high note.