NZ T20I Tri-Series: The Tri-Series between Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand is going on. In its 2nd match, in combat between Pakistan and New Zealand, the Green Team beat Kiwis by 6 Wickets. Babar Azam was named Player of the Match. Pakistan remains undefeated in the series. They won the first match against Bangladesh on Friday.
New Zealand Score Building (1st Innings)
It was not a good decision for New Zealand to bat first. Pakistan’s seamers simply didn’t let New Zealand’s batsmen escape on a pitch that is excellent for batting. The batting against some shrewd bowling appeared to be extremely shaky and undercooked. Conway and Williamson were unable to get underway and consumed a fair number of supplies.
If Mark Chapman’s cameo hadn’t been involved, the Kiwis might have produced an even worse result. Conway, Philip, and Chapman saved the innings by scoring 30+ runs each.
A lot of credit should go to the Pakistani bowlers, particularly Wasim Jr. and Haris Rauf, who were outstanding in the dying stages of the innings to end it safely. Haris took 3 while Wasim and Nawaz took 2 wickets each.
Pakistan’s Chase (2nd Innings)
Pakistan altered up the middle order by inserting Shadab at position 4. It paid off nicely. Shadab was a revelation as he scored 34 and looked so terrific. Then, after his dismissal, Pakistan put in Nawaz at position 5, and both were free to flail their arms. After a highly predictable recent history in which their middle-order struggled, Pakistan needed to change.
However, Pakistan was successful tonight because Babar appeared to be in excellent touch from the first ball and because the target was too small to pose a threat on a Hagley Oval that had been significantly affected by dew.
Newzealand bowlers couldn’t do much in front of Babar’s excellence. Only 3 bowlers took wickets. Tickner took 2 wickets. Boult and Southee took 1 wicket each.
What Captains said
Babar Azam, Pakistan captain and Player of the match says. “We have started well in the batting, me and Rizwan planned to utilize the first six overs and also the dew. We have a plan to send him up to charge the bowlers, he played well [on Shadab at 4]. Me and Shadab planned that I play all the way and he will go for his shots. Little bit different because of the dew and the ball is coming on nicely [on the pitch]. We are playing very well and as a captain I’m very happy. The team assessed the conditions and executed our plans, our bowlers bowled very well. It is time to have some rest now and we will look forward to that”
The New Zealand Captain, Kane says. “It was scrappy, there were some good bits but certainly was not polished. We were up against a quality opposition, Pakistan were very clincal and hit their targets with the ball. Our team wanted a couple of big overs to get to that big score but credit to them, they were very good. We certainly did not think it would be as wet – a learning for everyone I suppose [on the dew in the 2nd innings]. A little bit of both – not a surface where we could get an easy rhythm. “
“Chappie [Chapman] came in, took that on and played an outstanding knock and tried to get the momentum we needed. We certainly pride ourselves in that area, we were not good enough with those skill sets [on the poor fielding from his side]. Hopefully a few learnings going into tomorrow night. The guys are feeling good, we know there will be a tough match tomorrow, a bit of homework to do, but looking forward to it..”
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