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Former New Zealand pacer Mitchell McClenaghan fired back on social media after a Pakistani journalist made a critical comment regarding New Zealand’s defeat to the West Indies in the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. The nature of McClenaghan’s response and the context behind the exchange have become a talking point among cricket fans.
New Zealand’s 13-run defeat against West Indies
Opting to bat first, the West Indies innings got off to a shaky start, slumping to 30 for 5 within the first seven overs. A lone warrior emerged in the form of Sherfane Rutherford, who smashed an unbeaten 68 off just 39 deliveries. His knock, laced with two fours and six sixes, propelled the Windies to a fighting total of 149 for 9 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. New Zealand’s bowling attack was disciplined, with Trent Boult and Tim Southee picking up three and two wickets respectively.
In reply, New Zealand’s chase mirrored the West Indies’ innings, losing wickets at regular intervals. Middle-order batter Glenn Phillips provided some resistance with a 40-run knock, but the lack of substantial partnerships hurt the Kiwis.
Alza💞rri Joseph proved to be the hero for the West Indies with the ball, claimin✃g 4 crucial wickets for just 19 runs. New Zealand were eventually restricted to 136 for 9 wickets, falling short of the target by 13 runs.
Also READ: Netizens react as Sherfane Rutherford-inspired West Indies qualifies for S👍uper 8 with victory over New Zealand
Mitchell McClenaghan shuts down Pakistan’s journalist
Mitchell McClenaghan took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to fire back at a Pakistani journalist’s criticism of the Black Caps’ performance in the T20 World Cup.
The Pakistani journalist attributed New Zealand’s recent defeat to the West Indies to their players prioritizing the Indian Premier League (IPL) over national duty. His argument hinged on the fact that several New Zealand stars, including Kane Williamson ღand Trent Boult, opted out of the T20I series in Pakistan to participate in the IPL.
“This is What Happens when you Prefer Money over National Duty. New Zealand Had a great Chance to prepare themselves for World Cup 2024 on Pakistan Tour but their Main Players Choose IPL and now they are out of the World Cup,” tweeted the Pak journo.
However, McClenaghan took strong exception to this claim, calling it a “very poor take.” He pointed out the irony in the journalist’s statement by highlighting Pakistan’s recent struggles, including defeats to what could be considered a ‘C-side’ New Zealand team, alongside Ireland and the USA.
“Very poor take. You lost games to our C side, Ireland and the USA,” McClenaghan wrote in his reply.
Very poor take.
You lost games to our C si𝓀de, Ireland and the USA
— Mitchell McClenaghan (@Mitch_Savage)
