The confident Pakistan completely out shadowed the hosts by beating them in the finals of tri-series at the Hagley Oval on Friday. Let us look at New Zealand Vs Pakistan match highlights in detail.
The Babar Azam-led side defeated the Kane Williamson’s New Zealand by – wickets to secure a victory in the three-nation series ahead of the marquee event. Which provides a much-needed boost to the side as they are in tough group in the completion.
Mohammad Nawaz once again remained not-out in the process. As his quick-fire 38 was all Pakistan needed during the finals. Haider Ali also played a handy knock of 31 off 15.
Earlier, Kane Williamson starred with the bat for his team as he completed his 15th half-century. And played a superb innings of 59 in just 38 to help his side post 163 on board in 20 overs.
New Zealand Vs Pakistan match highlights
Invited to bat, New Zealand opener Finn Allen started the first over on a high not by smashing 3 fours in the first five balls. But Naseem Shah had the last laugh in the game as he removed Allen on the final ball of the first over.
Devon Conway and Kane Williamson then somehow steadied the ship by adding 35 more to the board in 26 balls before Rauf removed Conway for 17.
The skipper Williamson from one end was in different mood. All around as he got his form back just at the time before the marquee event.
He was playing like Williamson, who always stood on big occasions for sure. He maintained his reputation and played a knock 59 off 38 with a strike rate of 155.26.
Alongside the skipper, Glenn Philpps and Mark Chapman also played some crucial knocks that help the hosts to post 163 on board in 20 overs.
Philpps scored 29 off 22, while Chapman recorded 25 off 19 in the process. While Neesham’s 17-run off 10 was also handy at last.
Haris Rauf once again was the most successful bowler for the visitors. As he only gave 22 in his 4 overs and took 2 wickets. Naseem Shah also bagged 2 wickets but gave 38 in 4 overs. While Mohammad Nawaz and Shadab Khan took 1-1 each.
Pakistan to chase 164 in 20 overs
In reply, the top-order batters of Pakistan started the run-chase on a steady note. As both openers and the one-down player Shan Masood guide the team to 74 in 11.3 overs.
Babar was the first to walked back to the pavilion afters scoring 15 off 14. Masood scored 19 off 21, while the no.1 batter in T20 rankings. Mohammad Rizwan recorded 34 in 29 before removed him with lbw.
The last game’s hero for Pakistan, Mohammad Nawaz again showed his class by playing an unbeaten 38-run knock off 22 to once again guide the team cross the finishing line.
Haider Ali’s 31 in 15 was also crucial in the run-chase that made the things easy for the visitors to claim a comprehensive victory.