Bowling coach of national side Azhar Mahmood believes that Pakistan need to bowl out New Zealand in order to win the match. Talking to the media after practice session in Nelson, former all-rounder said, “Bowling is always our strength. For last nine One Day Internationals [ODI] we haven’t conceded 240 or more runs.”

“New Zealand were the first side to post 250 plus against us. This was because we failed to pick up wickets with the new ball, as we use to do,” he added.

New Zealand beat Pakistan by 61 runs in rain-affected game

Referring to the first ODI defeat, Mehmood said, “The defeat over Duckworth-Lewis [DSL] method was frustrating for us. Fakhar and the other guy were batting beautifully. And you never know what is going to happen if they batted 10 or more overs.”

“Credit goes to New Zealand they utilize the home conditions very well,” he added.

Speaking about Pakistan’s fielding, he said, “If you drop a batsman like Kane Williamson, he is going to punish you. Pakistan could have easily restricted New Zealand to 260 or 270, if Sarfraz held that catch.”

“We have beaten tough sides in Champions Trophy, we have all the skills and talent to beat any side in the world, but unfortunately in the momentum we lost,” he said while backing Pakistan side. “That was yesterday, but tomorrow will be a new game, new venue, sunny weather conditions. It will be much comfortable for our side to play here,” he added.

Pakistan will face New Zealand in second ODI of the five-match series on Tuesday at Sexton Oval.