Pakistan all-rounder Iftikhar Ahmed has apologised for not getting his side over the line in the third T20I against New Zealand in Lahore on Monday.
Ahmed brought Pakistan back into the contest from 88-7 with a whirlwind 24-ball 60 as they attempted to chase down New Zealand´s 163-5.
“I’m disappointed over not being able to finish the match. I could have won the match for Pakistan but I was not able to do that which is why I want to say sorry to the entire nation,” Iftikhar told Geo News after the match.
Iftikhar added 61 runs in 26 balls for the eight wicket which shifted the momentum towards Pakistan.
“There is always pressure in international cricket but I, along with Faheem Ashraf, tried to keep things simple,” he said. “We were not focusing on the run-rate and were only trying to hit boundaries because if you keep looking at the run-rate it makes things difficult for you.”
Ahmed was also confident about winning the series, with Pakistan having a 2-1 lead after three matches.
“Our bowlers and batters are in form which is why I’m hopeful that we will win the series,” he said.
The last two matches are in Rawalpindi on April 20 and 24.
Eight Kiwis are missing because of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and skipper Kane Williamson has a bad knee injury, leaving the captaincy to batsman Tom Latham — and providing plenty of opportunity for newcomers to shine.
Pakistan and New Zealand will also meet in five one-day internationals after the five-match T20 series, honing preparations for this year´s 50-over World Cup in India.
The tour comes as something of compensation for New Zealand pulling out of their visit to Pakistan on the day of the first game in September 2021, citing security concerns.
The Black Caps played two Tests and three ODIs in Pakistan just three months ago.
Sohail Imran Sohail Imran is a senior reporter for Geo News.- Iftikhar Ahmed