World Cup and Asia Cup always the goal, says skipper Agha after NZ series loss
The newly appointed T20I skipper opened up on a tough first assignment in charge of Pakistan's shortest-format side.
A comprehensive display from New Zealand in the fifth T20I saw the hosts clinch a 4-1 series win over Pakistan.
Addressing the result, Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha stated that while there were concerning points to rectify, the larger objective of the team remains performing at the ICC tournaments and the Asia Cup.
“This is a very young side. Most of the players have come here (New Zealand) for the first time. To debut here offers challenging conditions,” Agha told reporters after the fifth T20I.
“I said this before this series, the goal is always the World Cup and the Asia Cup. These series will help us in achieving that goal.
"Whatever series comes next, we'll use it to work towards making strides to that goal. To form a communication, to offer more experience to our players.”
Agha conceded, for a new-look Pakistan side, touring New Zealand was always going to be a challenging assignment.
“I truly think there are very exciting youngsters (in our team). These conditions are challenging even for those who've toured here before, they aren't easy.
“You take time to get used to these conditions. You'll see the players have improved as we have progressed in the series. But if you come here a day or two before and get into the mix, that's not enough to get used to these conditions.
“Those who came here for the first time, it was tough for them. But even then, they've shown character. In a few months, you'll see them operate differently.”
Among the positives for Pakistan was Hasan Nawaz forging the fastest T20I ton for his country, surpassing seasoned campaigner Babar Azam in doing so.
In the run-scoring charts, skipper Salman Agha finished only behind Tim Seifert - amassing 167 runs from the five outings.
However, Salman added that personal milestones weren’t on his radar after the result did not go in his team’s favour.
“If the team doesn't win, then your performance doesn't matter. I'm not that guy who'll talk about my performance being good.
“For me, the team winning is more important. We haven't played good cricket. But we'll try to do better in the future and form a good combination for the Asia Cup and the World Cup.”
Pakistan will next contest in a three-match ODI series against New Zealand, starting March 29 in Napier.