Pakistan look to the future after series defeat to New Zealand

The Black Caps won by eight wickets in Wellington on Wednesday, with 60 balls remaining.

It sealed a 4-1 series triumph for New Zealand, with Pakistan's sole win coming in the third match, in Auckland.

Salman led the way for Pakistan with 51 from 39 balls, but the tourists were limited to just 128-9 from their 20 overs.

Tim Seifert (97 not out) and Finn Allen (27 from 12 deliveries) spearheaded New Zealand's chase, which was wrapped up inside 10 overs.

But Salman believes there are positives for Pakistan to take.

"[New Zealand] were outstanding. We had some positives," he said, before explaining how Pakistan are building towards the Asia Cup in September and next year's T20 World Cup.

"Hasan [Nawaz] batted well, Sufiyan [Muqeem] did well. When we were coming here, we know it's a young side, the focus is on the Asia Cup and World Cup. We will give them more games and when they have experience, they will come good."

Back-to-back home series wins pic.twitter.com/3y2xOTPmiM

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) March 26, 2025

Salman only made his debut in the format for Pakistan in November.

He scored 167 runs across the series, but said personal form does not matter when the team fails as a unit.

"I did alright but it doesn't matter when you lose the series," he said.

A pleasing aspect for New Zealand's stand-in skipper Michael Bracewell was how his team adapted to rotation throughout the series.

"[The] whole bowling unit has been outstanding. We played on very friendly wickets for the seamers," he said.

"The way we have been able to rotate players, everyone stood up. Obviously missing a few guys but it's great to be winning the series.