Pakistan beat New Zealand by 9 runs to attract collection
Azam’s 44-ball 69 and Fakhar Zaman’s 33-ball 43 took Pakistan to 178-5 of their 20 overs earlier than Shaheen claimed 4-30 to limit New Zealand to 169 in 19.2 overs, squaring the collection at 2-2.
Skipper Babar Azam hit a strong half-century whereas spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi grabbed 4 wickets as Pakistan overcame New Zealand by 9 runs within the fifth and closing T20I in Lahore on Saturday.
Azam’s 44-ball 69 and Fakhar Zaman’s 33-ball 43 took Pakistan to 178-5 of their 20 overs earlier than Shaheen claimed 4-30 to limit New Zealand to 169 in 19.2 overs, squaring the collection at 2-2.
However Pakistan’s win solely got here within the closing over with 12 wanted as Josh Clarkson 38 not out threatened to tug off a heist, however two runouts in Mohammad Amir’s over sealed the house win a lot to the delight of a full home at Gaddafi Stadium.
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The primary match of the collection was deserted whereas Pakistan clinched the second and New Zealand the third by an identical seven-wicket margins — all in Rawalpindi.
New Zealand took the fourth match, additionally in Lahore, by 4 runs.
The collection gave each groups a kickstart to their preparations for the Twenty20 World Cup to be held in the USA and the West Indies in June.
Whereas Pakistan can be disenchanted to not have gained a collection in opposition to a depleted New Zealand aspect lacking a number of gamers on account of Indian Premier League, unavailability and accidents, the guests acquired a lift from their bench energy.
Shaheen gave Pakistan a super begin by dismissing Tom Blundell for 4 in his first over — his fifteenth wicket in his opening over of a Twenty20 worldwide — and fiftieth in all T20 matches.
Tim Seifert put New Zealand again on monitor with an aggressive 33-ball 52 — his ninth T20I half-century containing seven boundaries and two sixes.
He added 76 for the second wicket with skipper Michael Bracewell (23) however from 81-1 New Zealand misplaced 4 wickets within the area of 25 balls for the addition of simply 22 runs.
Leg-spinner Usama Mir (2-21) had Seifert and Mark Chapman (12) whereas fellow spinner Shadab Khan accounted for Bracewell as New Zealand’s chase was derailed.
Shaheen returned for a second spell to dismiss James Neesham (16), Zak Foulkes (nought) and Ish Sodhi (three) in successive overs.
Azam stated he used totally different mixtures to check the squad energy forward of the World Cup.
“Look, all through the collection we tried totally different mixtures and we needed to see the place our bench energy stands,” stated Azam.
“There are various good indicators however we gained’t be complacent and can concentrate on enchancment which is essential in worldwide cricket.”
Bracewell was delighted that his staff got here out all-square.
“Fairly truthful reflection of the collection, fairly pleased with coming over right here and studying how you can play in these circumstances,” stated Bracewell who captained New Zealand for the primary time.
“Credit score to Pakistan, they performed rather well as we speak.”
Earlier, Azam noticed his opening companion Saim Ayub fall within the second over for only one however that didn’t deter him as he added 73 for the second wicket with Usman Khan who made a brisk 24-ball 31.
Azam hit six boundaries and two sixes in his thirty fourth T20I half-century earlier than he was bowled by pacer Ben Sears within the fifteenth over.
Zaman hit 4 boundaries and a six earlier than he was neatly caught by Chapman on the boundary off Foulkes as Pakistan managed 55 within the final 5 overs.
Shadab Khan hit a six and a 4 in his five-ball 15 not out.
New Zealand made three adjustments as they introduced again Seifert, Cole McConchie and Foulkes whereas tempo spearhead Shaheen returned for the house staff.
