Pakistan vs New Zealand T20I: New Zealand’s Inexperienced Cricket Team Secures a Thrilling Victory Over Pakistan
New Zealand’s inexperienced cricket team pulled off a stunning four-run victory over Pakistan in the third Twenty20 international in Lahore.
Captain Tom Latham’s 64 anchored the Kiwis to a competitive total of 163-5, which proved to be enough despite Iftikhar Ahmed’s whirlwind 24-ball 60, which included six sixes and three fours.
Ahmed and Faheem Ashraf added 61 for the eighth wicket and brought Pakistan to the brink of victory, needing 15 to win off the final over. However, James Neesham held his nerve and dismissed both Ahmed and Haris Rauf to secure a thrilling win for New Zealand.
Pakistan’s batting struggles
Pakistan’s strong top-order fell cheaply, and their middle-order couldn’t rebuild the innings as they were reduced to 88-7 in the 15th over. Ravindra and Ish Sodhi’s spin pinned down the batters, leaving Ahmed and Ashraf with an enormous task. Pakistan’s captain Babar Azam, who smashed a century in the previous match, was out for 1 in the second over, caught by Rachin Ravindra. New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell made a valuable 33 before being dismissed in Shaheen Shah Afridi’s spell.
The victory is a significant boost for the Kiwis, who were missing eight frontline players busy in the Indian Premier League. Captain Tom Latham said the whole squad would take a lot of confidence from the match.
New Zealand trails the five-match series 2-1, with Rawalpindi hosting the remaining two matches on Thursday and Monday. Meanwhile, Pakistan captain Babar Azam admitted his side didn’t bat well enough and praised Iftikhar Ahmed and Faheem Ashraf for their crucial runs.
