Azhar Ali ‘disappointed’ over failing to finish for Pakistan in last Test

Pakistan senior batsman Azhar Ali has said that he is disappointed over not taking Pakistan to the winning post in the first Test match, which New Zealand won after a dramatic Pakistani batting collapse led to a defeat by just four runs.

“Obviously we were disappointed at the loss, in cricket it is a rarity that you get the chance to take your team to the finishing line. So is should have finished the game for my team as a senior player,” Azhar said while talking to local media.

“However, I tried my best. Unfortunately we missed by a few runs,” he added. Azhar perished to left arm spinner Ajaz Patel on 65 runs, his wicket wrapped up a surprise win for the Kiwis.

Azhar said that he was trying to attack the New Zealand bowling line, as the wickets continued to tumble on the other end. However, the Kiwis fielders remained on the boundary line, not allowing them to open up.

Talking about the second Test match, the middle order batsman said that he is sure of winning the nest game, and making a return to the series. “If we look at the last Test, there were a number of positives as well. We have the potential and we will try to play with a positive frame of mind and bounce back in the upcoming game, leveling the series,” said Ali.

With the series 1-1, Pakistan and New Zealand would meet tomorrow (Saturday) in the second Test at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.