“They do not want him in the ODI team”: Mohammed Shami’s childhood coach slams Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel

By James MitchellJanuary 5, 2026
“They do not want him in the ODI team”: Mohammed Shami’s childhood coach slams Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel

A sublime display of batsmanship. Kane Williamson, with his textbook technique, guided New Zealand to a series-clinching victory over Pakistan in the second Test match. The match, held at Seddon Park in Hamilton, concluded earlier today with the Black Caps securing a comfortable 95-run win. This triumph seals the series 2-0 for the home side.

The victory was built upon Williamson's magnificent innings of 133 not out, a masterful demonstration of control and precision. He was ably supported by Daryl Mitchell, who contributed a valuable 70. The pair constructed a formidable partnership, blunting Pakistan's bowling attack and setting a challenging target. Pakistan, in their second innings, struggled to build momentum, eventually succumbing to the pressure applied by the New Zealand bowlers.

New Zealand had set Pakistan a target of 369 runs. Pakistan's batting frailties were again exposed. Only Babar Azam, with a defiant half-century, offered any real resistance. The rest of the batting order fell cheaply, unable to cope with the sustained accuracy of the New Zealand seamers. Kyle Jamieson was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 4 wickets and consistently probing the corridor of uncertainty.

Williamson's innings was truly special. It wasn't just about the runs he scored. It was the manner in which he accumulated them. His placements were exquisite. His timing, impeccable. He was watching the ball onto the bat. He demonstrated the art of playing with soft hands, negating the pace and movement generated by the Pakistani pacers. Some of his cover drives were worthy of framing. A real treat for purists of the game. And his captaincy throughout the series has been astute, showcasing a calm and strategic approach.

The result is a significant one for New Zealand cricket. Securing a series win against a strong Pakistan side is a fine achievement. It further solidifies their position as a force to be reckoned with in Test cricket. The Black Caps have shown resilience and determination throughout the series. Their bowlers have been relentless, and their batsmen, led by Williamson, have displayed remarkable consistency.

Pakistan, on the other hand, will need to reflect on their performance. Their batting, in particular, has been a major concern. The lack of partnerships and the inability to convert starts into substantial scores have cost them dearly. Their bowlers, while showing glimpses of brilliance, lacked the consistency required to sustain pressure on the New Zealand batsmen. They need to go back to the drawing board.

But is it all doom and gloom for the tourists? Not entirely. Babar Azam's return to form is a positive sign. And the emergence of some promising young bowlers offers hope for the future. However, they need to address their batting woes urgently if they are to compete effectively in the longer format of the game.

Looking ahead, New Zealand will be buoyed by this series victory as they prepare for future challenges. The team's cohesiveness and the individual brilliance of players like Williamson provide a solid foundation for continued success. Can they maintain this level of performance against tougher opposition? Only time will tell.
They're taking guard now for the next series.