“It’s disappointing when you drop catches, and we didn’t take Williamson’s review”
A “mature” Shaheen Afridi was “disappointed” with Pakistan’s fielding on the first day of the Mount Maunganui test, as the team lost three catches to New Zealand, not making the most of their decision to pitch first.
Pakistan started the day strong, reducing the hosts to 13 for 2 within 11 overs, but could only pick up one more wicket until the end of the game, as New Zealand finished with 222. Afridi posted figures of 3 for 55, while that the other five bowlers, including the experienced Mohammad Abbas and Yasir Shah, were left without wickets. Pakistan will be particularly frustrated considering how well they did at squeezing the flow of runs, but allowed the momentum to fade when two catches by Naseem Shah were rejected, while Haris Sohail dropped a relatively straight catch on slips, facing Afridi. Pakistan also missed a review on a potential Kane Williamson lbw, denying him a chance to test New Zealand’s middle order.
“They hit hard, but I’m 100% frustrated by the missed catches. It’s disappointing when you drop catches, and we didn’t take the (Williamson) review,” Afridi said. “We tried to get ground from the beginning with new balls and we took two fields, but if you don’t get catches, it will be difficult. It’s part of the game, but if you need to win games you have to take catches and you have to improve the field. They know how to play in their conditions, so it is difficult, but the ball is still new and tomorrow we will be difficult to take terrain as soon as possible “.
Ross Taylor, who became New Zealand’s most capped player, was playing Afridi for the second time in his career and recognized the progress the fast pitcher had made since he made his debut at age 18 in Abu Dhabi two ago. years. Overall, Afridi has fired Taylor twice in three innings, throwing 32 point balls and conceding just 31 runs. Afridi and Abbas shared most of the workload on Saturday, throwing a total of 41 overs.
“I think when we first played him, obviously I think it was his first test. Now he’s a lot more mature and from the way he’s trying to prepare you, I think he’s often a left-arm ball that I don’t necessarily know. swing “. But I thought, you know, when the ball was 50 overs old, he was still swinging. He picked and chose when to use it.
“He’s got a slippery bumper, you know, it’s only going to get better. And I’m sure he’s obviously going to enjoy this wicket. But Christchurch too. And I think, you know, Pakistan, they’re going to see a very, very bowler. good for years to come. “
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