Pakistan beat New Zealand by 9 runs in fifth T20I

F.P. Report

LAHORE: Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi guided Pakistan to a series leveling win in fifth T20I against New Zealand at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on Saturday.

Kiwis were bundled out for 169 as Pakistan bowling successfully defended the target of 179 runs. Tim Seifert took a strong opening start by smashing 52 but Afridi took an early breakthrough by dismissing Tom Blundhell for four runs.

Bracewell tried to regain the momentum with his 23-run knock before he was sent to pavilion by Shadab Khan. The visitors lost their middle order in quick sessions and at this time Josh Clarkson held the nerves and put his side closer to victory with unbeaten 38 but other players could not perform due to skillful bowling performance by hosts.

Shaheen Afridi claimed four wickets while Usman Mir took two wickets.

Earlier, an impressive know from Babar Azam helped Pakistan set a challenging target of 179 runs for New Zealand in final game of the series. The Pakistan skipper smashed 69 for 44 and he got from support from Usman Khan, who made 31 off 24 after Saim Ayub’s early dismissal.

After their removal, Fakhar Zaman maintained the momentum and made 43 for 33 before he was sent to pavilion by Foulkes. Shahdab Khan displayed fireworks in the final over and made 15 off 5 to push the total to 178.

Earlier, New Zealand won the toss and opted to field first against the hosts.  

Babar Azam-led team had lost two successive matches to inexperienced New Zealand.

Pakistan fell four runs short of the victory target of 178 runs in the fourth T20I on Thursday. After put into bat first, the visitors scored 178/7 while Pakistan finished on 174/8.

O’Rourke was the pick of the bowlers for the Black Caps, picking three wickets for 27 runs while Ben Sears took two for the same number of runs.