The manager noted that field restrictions severely dented tactical momentum, allowing opponents to break away. A poor defensive display handed the momentum completely over to the rival team.
"I think that also gave them the momentum that only 3 fielders in the boundaries," the coach explained. "But I believe that still 15 to 20 runs I think we have given away."
Chasing a daunting target of 171 runs, the batting lineup collapsed completely under immense scoreboard pressure. The entire innings folded for a dismal score of 106.
"See, there are a few positives," the administrative leader claimed while defending his squad. "I think the way the fight they have put up, the fight in the bowling and then coming on with the batting."
The head coach remained optimistic about future group fixtures despite the setback. He concluded by acknowledging that high-pressure games often test the mental fortitude of younger players.
"There are some glimpse of positiveness, and we will take that," Riaz concluded. "We know it is always going to be a game of nerves, and I think we are working hard on it. And they have been trying their level best, and you win one, you lose one. Unfortunately, we were on the losing side today."
