Allen powers New Zealand to T20 victory over Pakistan in Christchurch

Pakistan's Babar Azam (R) plays a shot during the fourth cricket match between New Zealand and Pakistan of the Twenty20 tri-series at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on October 11, 2022. (AFP)
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Updated 11 October 2022
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Allen powers New Zealand to T20 victory over Pakistan in Christchurch

  • The hosts' victory leaves both Pakistan and New Zealand on two wins and a defeat each
  • The tri-series is a warm-up for the T20 World Cup in Australia which begins later this month

CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand: Finn Allen showed his form ahead of the Twenty20 World Cup by top-scoring for New Zealand with a disciplined batting display in their nine-wicket romp over Pakistan in Christchurch on Tuesday in the tri-series.

Allen blasted six sixes in a tally of 62 off 42 balls as the Black Caps chased down 130-7 with ease at Hagley Oval as New Zealand claimed their second win of the series.

The hosts' victory leaves both Pakistan and New Zealand on two wins and a defeat each, with the Black Caps next facing Bangladesh on Wednesday, also in Christchurch.

The three nations are using the week-long tournament to fine tune for the T20 World Cup in Australia later this month

The Black Caps avenged Saturday's defeat to Pakistan with an improved bowling performance before Allen and Devon Conway quickly found their stride in an opening partnership of 117 to set up victory.

After Allen was stumped by Mohammad Rizwan, Black Caps captain Kane Williamson replaced him at the crease to eventually claim the winning single as New Zealand won with 23 balls to spare.

Having guided New Zealand to victory over Bangladesh last Sunday with an unbeaten 70, Conway was again impressive at the crease, grabbing five fours in his unbeaten tally of 49 off 46 balls.

Pakistan were allowed to settle with neither bat nor ball.

New Zealand bowler Michael Bracewell again claimed the man-of-the-match award by taking the key wickets of the prolific opening pair of Rizwan (16) and captain Babar Azam (21), in fine figures of two for 11 from his four overs.

Iftikhar Ahmed top-scored with 27, including three fours.

Tim Southee removed Iftikhar and Mohammad Nawaz with the first two deliveries of the final over, but Mohammad Wasim survived the hat-trick ball.


Umar Zaib leads Pakistan U19 into tri-series final with commanding win over Afghanistan

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Umar Zaib leads Pakistan U19 into tri-series final with commanding win over Afghanistan

  • Pakistan posted 238 for nine in 50 overs, built around solid contributions from top order
  • Afghanistan were bundled out for 105 in 30.2 overs as Pakistan’s pace proved too strong

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Under-19 (U19) confirmed their place in the final of the tri-series in Zimbabwe with a commanding 133-run win over Afghanistan U19 at the Sunrise Sports Club in Harare on Friday.

After opting to bat first, Pakistan posted 238 for nine in 50 overs, built around solid contributions from the top order. Sameer Minhas top-scored with a fluent 56, while Usman Khan (43, 59b, 3x4s, 1x6) and Ali Hassan Baloch (39, 68b, 1x4, 1x6) laid a strong foundation for the side.

In turn, Afghanistan were bundled out for 105 in 30.2 overs as Pakistan’s pace proved too strong.

“Right-arm fast bowler Umar Zaib led the charge with a match-winning spell, clinching five wickets for 31 runs, including early breakthroughs and key middle-order dismissals,” the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said in a statement.

“He was adjudged player of the match. Support came from Ahmed Hussain and Momin Qamar – both taking two wickets each.”

Earlier in the tournament, Pakistan had edged Afghanistan U19 by one wicket, while their league match against Zimbabwe U19 was washed out after the first innings due to rain.

Pakistan U19 will now face hosts Zimbabwe U19 on Sunday in their final league fixture before meeting the same opponents again in the final on Jan. 6.

SCORES IN BRIEF

Pakistan 238-9, 50 overs (Sameer Minhas 56, Usman Khan 43, Ali Hassan Baloch 39; Salam Khan 2-48, Zaitullah Shaheen 2-50)

Afghanistan 105 all out, 30.2 overs (Mahboob Khan 29; Umar Zaib 5-31, Ahmed Hussain 2-2, Momin Qamar 2-26)