CHRISTCHURCH: The tri-series was won by the Babar Azam-led team, which defeated New Zealand on Friday by a score of 5 wickets, giving Pakistan’s cricket team a significant boost before the T20 World Cup.
The Pakistani bowlers limited the Kiwis to 163-7 despite skipper Kane Williamson’s 59 after they choose to bowl first after winning the toss.
Pakistan lost Babar early in the chase of the 164-run target, but the under-pressure middle order was crucial to today’s triumph.
Player of the Match was awarded to Mohammad Nawaz for his all-around effort. He captured one wicket in addition to scoring 38 off of 22.
“I simply backed myself on both days.” With a clear mind, I tried to demonstrate what I’d practised in the nets. Batting in the middle order has been extremely beneficial, as has believing in myself and sticking to the plan.”
When asked about the 15th over of the innings, in which Pakistan scored 25 runs, Nawaz said Haider Ali assisted with a couple of boundaries in the previous over. “We used the wind to our advantage and got the boundaries against him.”
Teams
New Zealand: Devon Conway, Finn Allen, Kane Williamson (capt), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, James Neesham, Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Blair Tickner, Ish Sodhi
Pakistan: Babar Azam (capt), Mohammad Rizwan, Shan Masood, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Haider Ali, Asif Ali, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf Umpires: Alex Wharf (ENG), Shaun Haig (NZL) TV Umpire: Wayne Knights (NZL) Match Referee: Jeff Crowe (NZL)
