Former Pakistan cricketer Ahmed Shehzad has expressed his frustration following Pakistan’s 5-wicket defeat to New Zealand in the final of the Tri-Nation Series. In a sharp critique posted on his YouTube channel, Shehzad targeted the team’s poor decision-making and captain Mohammad Rizwan’s leadership, calling it “brainless” and questioning key tactical moves during the match.
One of Shehzad’s main points of contention was the decision to bat first despite the conditions favoring teams that chase later in the evening. He criticized the strategy, calling it baffling, especially given that Pakistan should have capitalized on their understanding of the pitch dynamics. According to Shehzad, such a mistake could have only worked if New Zealand had underperformed or lacked key players, which they did not.
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The former opener also highlighted that Pakistan’s recent performance has raised concerns ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025. He believes the team’s current strategy is not sustainable in high-pressure matches, and their collapse to just 242 runs in the final was a clear example of their struggles under pressure. Shehzad pointed out Babar Azam’s continuing difficulties with form and questioned the team’s over-reliance on opposition errors.
In contrast, New Zealand executed their chase with ease, led by half-centuries from Tom Latham and Daryl Mitchell, comfortably reaching the target with 4.4 overs to spare. Shehzad warned that if Pakistan continues to make what he described as “childish” mistakes and poor tactical decisions, their path forward could be much more difficult, particularly as they prepare for the Champions Trophy.
As the team looks ahead, Shehzad urged Rizwan and the rest of the squad to reflect on their approach and to make more strategic, calculated decisions to avoid further failures in crucial matches.
