Pakistan wicket-keeper batsman Mohammad Rizwan has said quick fall of wickets and lack of partnerships held his side back from putting up a big total. Pakistan’s batting looked under pressure from the start when in form Babar Azam smashed a short, wide ball straight to backward point.
The rest of the batting also faltered with no real partnerships on board to hurt the opposition. “We kept on losing wickets and lacked partnerships which meant that we couldn’t put up a big total on board,” said Rizwan in a video released by the PCB.
Rizwan, however, continued his golden run by staying till the end, scoring a 61-ball 82 to get Pakistan to 150.
“We have to understand that South African conditions are different from Zimbabwe. The pitch was a bit difficult to bat on, especially early on it was tricky, a lot of things which I’m saying is true.
“The understanding between me and Babar is that if one of us gets out early, the other one has to go till the end. We have to continue that role where Allah is giving us success.”
Rizwan also praised Pakistan’s bowling line-up as Zimbabwe were restricted to 138 from their 20 overs.
“Our bowling is world class, like we restricted them to 150. Our batsmen have got an idea about this pitch. Hopefully we’ll put up a big total in the next game.”
Pakistan will face Zimbabwe in the second T20I on April 23.
