In a crucial T20I showdown against New Zealand at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, pacer Shaheen Afridi showcased his prowess, claiming four crucial wickets to propel Pakistan to victory, thereby leveling the series.
Despite facing a seemingly batting-friendly track, Afridi’s exceptional bowling restricted the Kiwis to 30 runs in four overs, maintaining an economy rate of 7.50. His breakthrough early in the innings set the tone for Pakistan’s defense of their total of 179.
Tim Seifert emerged as a standout for New Zealand, contributing a vital half-century and forming a pivotal 76-run partnership with skipper Michael Bracewell. However, once Seifert departed, the Kiwi batting order quickly crumbled under the pressure exerted by Afridi and his teammates.
Pakistan’s innings began steadily, with skipper Babar Azam leading from the front with a solid fifty, scoring a brisk 69 off 44 balls. Partnering with Saim Ayub initially and then Usman Khan, Azam steadied the ship, forging crucial partnerships. Despite Ayub’s early dismissal, Azam remained unfazed, forming a resilient 73-run stand with Usman Khan.
Azam’s innings, embellished with six boundaries and two sixes, showcased his class as he notched up his 34th T20I half-century. However, his dismissal in the 15th over by pacer Ben Sears provided New Zealand with a glimmer of hope. Fakhar Zaman’s aggressive cameo, featuring four boundaries and a six, further bolstered Pakistan’s total, ensuring a competitive score of 178-5.
Shadab Khan’s late flourish, adding a quickfire 15 not out, propelled Pakistan to a challenging total in the final overs. New Zealand, opting for three changes in their lineup, introduced Tim Seifert, Cole McConchie, and Zak Foulkes, while pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi returned for Pakistan.
The series, marked by intense battles, saw New Zealand clinching the third and fourth matches, while Pakistan emerged victorious in the second encounter, following the abandonment of the series opener.
