Finn Allen demonstrated his form ahead of the Twenty20 World Cup by leading New Zealand to a nine-wicket victory over Pakistan in Christchurch on Tuesday in the tri-series.
Allen blasted six sixes in 62 balls as the Black Caps easily chased down 130-7 at Hagley Oval, giving New Zealand their second series win.
Both Pakistan and New Zealand now have two wins and one defeat, with the Black Caps facing Bangladesh on Wednesday, also in Christchurch.
A 117-run opening partnership between @FinnAllen32 (62) & Devon Conway (49*) sees the team to victory in Match 4 of the T20 Tri-Series 🏏
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) October 11, 2022
Scores | https://t.co/3D2LGOOdCz#NZvPAK pic.twitter.com/CtbAGLBnCG
The three countries are using the week-long tournament to prepare for the T20 World Cup, which will be held in Australia later this month.
The Black Caps avenged their Saturday defeat to Pakistan with improved bowling before Allen and Devon Conway quickly found their stride in a 117-run opening partnership to set up victory.
After Allen was stumped by Mohammad Rizwan, Black Caps captain Kane Williamson came in to claim the winning single as New Zealand won with 23 balls to spare.
Conway was again impressive at the crease, grabbing five fours in his unbeaten tally of 49 off 46 balls after leading New Zealand to victory over Bangladesh last Sunday with an unbeaten 70.
New Zealand bowler Michael Bracewell was named man-of-the-match again after taking key wickets from the prolific opening pair of Rizwan (16) and captain Babar Azam (21) in four overs for two for 11.
Iftikhar Ahmed led the way with 27 points, including three fours.
With the first two deliveries of the final over, Tim Southee removed Iftikhar and Mohammad Nawaz, but Mohammad Wasim survived the hat-trick ball.
Haris Rauf was replaced in the Pakistan team by Naseem Shah as the young pacer’s health improved.
The Men in Green have won two games so far in the ongoing cricket tournament. Pakistan defeated the hosts in Saturday’s match for their second win in the tri-series. On October 7, Pakistan defeated Bangladesh in the first game of the series.
The three teams are competing in a week-long tournament in Christchurch. Each team is using it to prepare for the T20 World Cup, which begins later this month in Australia.
Playing XI:
Pakistan: Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shan Masood, Haider Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Asif Ali, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Waim, Shahnawaz Dahani, Naseem Shah,
New Zealand: Finn Allen, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, James Neesham, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Blair Tickner
Pavan Manzoor is an experienced content writer , editor and social media handler along with a track record of youth-oriented activities in Pakistan and abroad. She was selected as a fully-funded delegate as a leadership fellow in Turkey. She also led a team of 5 volunteers at the week-long Young Professionals Fellowship in Maldives. She is also a member of the Youth Standing Committee on Higher Education.
