Pakistan's batting coach Adam Hollioake has opened up on the wicketkeeper-batter Azam Khan' spot in the playing XI for the remaining T20I series against New Zealand.
The 25-year-old has struggled to make an impact with the bat, posting scores of 10 and 2 in the first two games. Overall, Azam Khan has batted in six innings in his career, managing only 19 runs.
During the post-match conference following consecutive defeats for the Men in Green, Adam shed light on Azam's performance.
He conceded that the young player faced a challenging night where an immediate impact was required.
"Azam Khan is a destructive batter I mean unfortunately tonight he came in and he really needed to go straight away and he got out. One of those things where if it works you look great if it doesn't work you look stupid. He's an exciting player, a big hitter, though he hasn't shown it in these two games. Expect him to shine in the future," Adam said.
When asked about the wicket-keeper batter's position in the squad for upcoming matches, the national team's batting coach acknowledged the presence of other talented players.
"I don't know I mean he's a talented guy but there's lots of talented guys in the squad so you just have to see what the pitch is and what the makeup of the team is in the next game so it's not a case of just he deserves to be in because there's a lot of good players in Pakistan and to be who you keep in Pakistan you have to be at the top of your game so we'll see," he said.
Remember, New Zealand defeated Pakistan by 21 runs in the second T20I of the five-match series.
The visitors struggled in the chase of the 195-run target from the start as they lost both of their openers, Mohammad Rizwan and Saim Ayub, within the first overs for just 10 runs.
After two early departures, Babar and Fakhar Zaman brought the Green Shirts back in the game by forming a formidable 87-run partnership which saw the latter completing a well-deserved half-century in 24 balls with the help of five sixes and three fours.
However, as soon as Fakhar departed by becoming victim of Adam Milne, wickets started to fall and the visitors soon found them 125-6 in 14.3 overs.
Iftikhar Ahmed (4 off 8), Azam (2 off 3), and Aamer Jamal (9 off 8) failed to stay and help their side put up a fight.
Once again, just like the first match, Babar Azam top scored for the Men in Green by scoring 66 runs off 43 runs with nine boundaries but his effort went in vain.
Milne bagged four wickets, he was followed by Ben Sears, Ish Sodhi and Southee, who picked two each.
Earlier in the first innings, Finn Allen powered New Zealand to a 194-run total as the right-hander played a rapid innings of 74 runs on just 41 balls, courtesy of seven fours and five sixes.
- Azam Khan
