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Auckland’s Eden Park was set ablaze with intense cricketing action during the opening T20I of the five-match series between New Zealand and Pakistan on January 12. While the Kiwi batters displayed fireworks with the bat, setting an imposing 226-run total, the focus shifted towards Pakistan’s lackluster fielding, which became the talk of the town.
New Zealand’s dominance: Daryl Mitchell and Kane Williamson shine
The match commenced with a shaky start for New Zealand as star opener Devon Conway departed for a golden duck in the first over. However, Finn Allen‘s aggressive innings put the Pakistani bowlers on the back foot. Allen scored quickfire 35 runs off 15 balls. Subsequent contributions from Kane Williamson (57) and Daryl Mitchell (61) propelled the Blackcaps to an impressive 🐻total o🐠f 226/8 in their allotted 20 overs.
Fielding fumbles from Babar Azam, Iftikhar Ahmed and others
Amidst New Zealand’s onslaught, Pakistan’s fielding performance left much to be desired as Babar Azam dropped a straightforward catch that was followed by Iftikhar Ahmed‘s juggling drop, which also added to the frustration. Mohammad Rizwan‘s missed run-out opportunity further compounded the team’s woes. These fielding lapses, if avoided, undoubtedly could have significantly impacted New Zealand’s final total.
Also WATCH: Drama unfolds at Eden Park as no-ball eclipses Aamer Jamal’s 🧸fiery celebration on Finn Allen’s dismissal
Social media outcry
Netizens didn’t hold back as they took to social media to express their displeasure over Pakistan’s sloppy fielding. Some fans called for the appointment of a new fielding coach, emphasizing the need for improvement in this crucial aspect of the game. Others, however, resorted to humor, unleashing a barrage of memes and messages, highlighting the team’s shortcomings in a lighthearted manner.
Now as netizens continue to vent their frustration and demand improvements in Pakistan’s fielding performance, it remains to be seen how the team will respond in the upcoming matches of the series.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Same energy… 😂
— Dialectical Guy (@dialecticalguy)
Watching Pakistan fielding
— Usama Arshad 🇵🇸 (@usama_here2)
Where is fielding coach of Pakistan. Give him grand salute.
Australia now in Newzealand dropping easy catches.
Remove hafeez bewakoof.— Rabia jan (@ikpromax)
Pakistan's bowling performance was terrible, with poor fielding, bad bowling and poor catching.
— Ahmer Najeeb Satti (@AhmerNajeeb)
Iftikhar Ahmed at backward Point 🔥🔥
Pakistan Fielding at its Best 🥵🥵
— Dinda Academy (@academy_dinda)
God ca🍷n’t watch it anymore 🥲 ya Allah Pakistan ko achi fielding ki hidayat de do
— Akif Khattak (@iamAkifKhan)
I request Mohammad Hafeez to appoint a good fieldinꦰg coach for the Pakistan team, How will we win matches if we drop so many catches?
— Ali Umair Shahbaz (@aliumairshahbaz)
Babar tu Kane ka catch drop kere ga, Kane tu Saim ka , Henry tu Rizwan ka �⛎�
— Mahnoor (@manaynaamanay)
If Pakistan loses today's match, it only be due to Pakistan's poor fielding—where's the justice in dropping so many catches.
— Kiran khan (@kiran__khan)
First Babar dropped catch then Rizwan missed run꧋ out then Iftikhar akhemd dropped cat🐻ch.
Babar azam and his politics is behind all these happening. Grouping at it's peak.
— princess Shazia (@shazinazPTI)
Pakistan Fielding 😒
— Shoaib Iqbal (@shebimushtaq143)
Pakistan's fielding be like playing hot potato! 🥔🙈 Let's hope for some cool catches soon! 😄🏏
— Sahib Singh (@singh28915)