ISLAMABAD: Pakistan won the triangular series final against New Zealand by five wickets on Friday, defeating the hosts and ending their preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2022 on a high note.
Pakistan went into the final of the tri-nation series on a high note, beating Bangladesh a day earlier by 7 wickets in a thriller that went down to the last over.
“Sealed with a six!” wrote the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) wrote on Twitter. “Pakistan win the #NZTriSeries by 5 wickets.”
Chasing a target of 164 runs, Pakistan were not off to an impressive start, with Babar Azam dismissed for 15 runs from 14 balls by Michael Bracewell. His opening partner Muhammad Rizwan struck a partnership with Shan Masood before the latter was also dismissed for 19 from 21 balls.
Rizwan, too, departed for the pavilion after scoring 34 runs from 29 balls. A half-century partnership by Haider Ali and Mohammad Nawaz sealed New Zealand’s fate. Ali struck a much-needed 31 off 15 balls before he was dismissed by Tim Southee while Nawaz remained unbeaten on 38 off 22 to see Pakistan through to the end.
Pinch hitter Asif Ali once again failed to live up to the expectations, scoring only 1 from 2 balls before he was caught by Trent Boult at mid-on from a Blair Tickner delivery.
Iftikhar Ahmed and Nawaz struck yet another crucial partnership to see Pakistan through. Ahmed ended the match in style, smashing Tickner for a huge six to hand Pakistan a 5-wicket victory. Ahmed scored 25 from 14 balls.
Nawaz won the Player of the Match award while Bracewell walked away with the Player of the Series honor. “I just backed myself in both days. Tried to display what I’d practiced in the nets with a clear mind,” Nawaz said.
“Batting in the middle order has helped a lot, backing myself and going with the plan was key,” he added.
Earlier, a fighting knock by New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson (59 off 38) was unable to rescue the Kiwis as Pakistan’s bowlers kept the Kiwis at bay.
Pacers Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf kept the New Zealand batters at bay, finishing with figures of 2/22 and 2/38. Shadab Khan picked the important wicket of Williamson while Nawaz picked up one wicket.
Former players and cricket pundits had severely criticized Pakistan ahead of the tri-nation series. Critics had taken aim at the green shirts for their middle order’s lacklustre performance in the Asia Cup 2022.
Pakistan open their campaign for the T20 World Cup 2022 next month in Australia against arch-rivals India on October 23.
