'You lost to...': NZ bowler shuts Pakistan journalist's 'NZ prefer IPL over PAK' jibe in EPIC style

In a thrilling encounter, West Indies secured a hard-fought victory over New Zealand by 13 runs in the T20 World Cup Group stage. With a total of 149/9 in 20 overs, Sherfane Rutherford was the standout performer, scoring an unbeaten 68 off 39 balls. In response, New Zealand fought hard but could only manage 136/9 in their 20 overs. Glenn Phillips top-scored for New Zealand with 40 runs off 33 balls, while Alzarri Joseph was exceptional with the ball, taking 4 wickets for 19 runs in 4 overs, earning him the Player of the Match title. The match, held at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, featured formidable performances from both teams, making it a memorable encounter in the T20 World Cup.

New Zealand bowler Mitchell McClenaghan shuts down Pakistani journalist for his remarks on NZ prioritizing IPL over national duties 

Former New Zealand fast bowler Mitchell McClenaghan reacted strongly to accusations levelled at Kiwi players by a Pakistani journalist over their dedication to their country. This is happening as New Zealand is about to be eliminated from the T20 World Cup 2024 after losing to the West Indies by 13 runs on June 13 at Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad.

The journalist had questioned the players of New Zealand, implying that they would have rather played in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 than for their nation in a series against Pakistan earlier in April. He said that the series against Pakistan would have been essential practice for the current World Cup and attacked them for supposedly putting financial gain ahead of national duties. The Pakistani journalist wrote on X, 

“This is What Happens when you Prefer Money over National Duty New Zealand Had a great Chance to prepare themselves for World Cup 2024 on Pakistan Tour but their Main Players Choose IPL and now they are out of the World Cup,” 

Quickly retorting, McClenaghan brought up Pakistan's losses to Ireland, the USA, and the C squad of New Zealand. "Very poor take," he said, brushing off the criticism as unwarranted. McClenaghan on X wrote: 

“Very poor take. You lost games to our C side, Ireland and the USA,” 

Senior players' duties to the IPL meant that New Zealand chose a young team for their April tour of Pakistan. Team captain Michael Bracewell was backed by Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Adam Milne, James Neesham, Tim Seifert, and Ish Sodhi. New Zealand even though they were inexperienced, tied the series 2-2 with Pakistan. Pakistan thereafter suffered, losing to Ireland before winning the series 2-1. Before competing in the T20 World Cup, they have now suffered defeats to the USA and India before winning just once against Canada in the T20 WC. Assuming Florida weather permits, Pakistan needs to defeat Ireland in their final game and hope that the United States loses. Afghanistan must lose badly in their last games to lower their net run rate of +5.225, while New Zealand must win convincingly to raise their net rate of -2.425 and go on.