In the summit clash of the tri-series at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Friday (October 14), Pakistan beat New Zealand by five wickets. The Men in Green chased down the total of 164 runs in 19.3 overs for the loss of five wickets. The series was the team’s last international assignment before the start of the 2022 T20 World Cup and, riding on Mohammad Nawaz’s yet another all-round show, the Babar Azam-led side managed to win the tri-series in New Zealand and get a much-needed boost ahead of their first match against India on October 23 at Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Pakistan skipper Babar Azam won the toss and opted to field first, after which, riding on skipper Kane Williamson’s 38-ball 59, hosts New Zealand posted a total of 163 runs on the board for the loss of seven wickets. The target was not large, but it was certainly difficult, and it became even more difficult when, after losing Babar Azam (15) and Shan Masood (19) early on, Pakistan also lost the prized wicket of world number one T20I batter Mohammad Rizwan (34).
But from there on number four batter Mohammad Nawaz (38 not out from 22 balls), joined hands with young Haider Ali (31 from 15 balls) and added 56 runs from just 26 balls. Haider was sent back to the dugout by Tim Southee, and in the 16th over, and on the first ball of the 17th over, Asif Ali was also returned back to the pavilion after making just one run. But before the Kiwis could stage a comeback, Nawaz cooled down the pressure by smacking a six against Blair Tickner in the 17th over, and then Iftikhar Ahmed (25 not out from 14 balls) took the charge to help Pakistan cross the line. The right-handed batter, Iftikhar, finished the game with a six as Pakistan managed to win the game and the tri-series.
Following Men in Green’s stunning final victory, some fans expressed their surprise on Twitter, while others congratulated them on their outstanding performance on the field.
For his all-round display in the final match, Nawaz won the Player of the Match award, while New Zealand’s all-rounder Michael Bracewell was adjudged Player of the Series.
Both the teams will now leave for Australia to take part in the T20 World Cup, and before that, they will play in two warm-up matches each in Brisbane. Pakistan will face England on October 17 and Afghanistan on October 19. On the other hand, the Black Caps will face South Africa on October 17 and India on October 19 at the same venue.
