Pakistan secure thrilling victory to draw T20I series against NZ

LAHORE: Pakistan clinched a nail-biting nine-run victory over New Zealand in the final encounter, drawing the five-match T20I series 2-2 in a captivating showdown at the Gaddafi Stadium.

The high-stakes match unfolded with Pakistan banking on the batting prowess of Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman, complemented by lethal bowling performances from Shaheen Shah Afridi and Usama Mir.

The series, which commenced with the first match washed out due to rain, witnessed a rollercoaster of emotions as both teams battled fiercely for supremacy. Pakistan started strongly with a seven-wicket victory in the second game at Pindi Stadium, only for New Zealand to mount a spirited comeback with a similar margin of victory in the subsequent clash at Rawalpindi. The visiting team then surged ahead with a four-run win in the fourth match at the Gaddafi Stadium, setting the stage for a thrilling series decider.

Facing a do-or-die situation, Pakistan demonstrated resilience and determination as they posted a challenging total of 178 for five in their allotted overs. Babar Azam led from the front with a masterful 69 runs off 44 balls, ably supported by Usman Khan and Fakhar Zaman. Despite a shaky start, Pakistan stabilized their innings with valuable partnerships, setting a competitive target for New Zealand to chase.

In response, New Zealand’s innings was anchored by Tim Seifert and Captain Michael Bracewell, who built a solid foundation with a crucial partnership. However, Pakistan’s bowlers, spearheaded by Shaheen Shah Afridi and supported by Usama Mir, applied pressure at crucial junctures, restricting New Zealand’s progress.

Though New Zealand lost an early wicket of one of its openers when Shaheen Shah Afridi cleaned Tom Blundell in the first over, Tim Seifert and Captain Michael Bracewell played an orderly innings to develop a smooth path towards perpetuity. They built fifty runs for the second wicket in 26 balls and kept mounting it only until their partnership reached 76 and in between Seifert also reached his 9th T20I fifty. It was then Usama Mir who brought reprieve for Pakistan with the wicket of Seifert at 52 and New Zealand was at 81 for two in 8.1 overs. Seifert took 33 balls for his innings that was laced with seven fours and two sixes.

As the match reached a tense climax, Pakistan’s bowlers maintained their composure to claim vital wickets, ultimately securing a thrilling victory and leveling the series. Shaheen Shah Afridi emerged as the standout performer with four wickets, while Usama Mir and Shadab Khan provided crucial breakthroughs.

Skipper Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman stabilized Pakistan innings after early anomaly that the team faced with the wicket of opener Saim Ayub. Babar with his 34th T20 half century and two most valuable partnerships alongside Usman Khan and Fakhar Zaman gave spine to the score. Having a shaky start with the fall of Saim Ayub at eight for one in the second over, Pakistan had Babar playing a captain’s innings to get 69 runs on board in 44 balls, aided with six fours and two sixes. On the other hand, Fakhar further strengthen the total with his own way of batting.

In gallop to his alleviated innings, Babar shared 71 runs partnership with Usman Khan and after the departure of the latter, he and Fakhar Zaman added another 32 runs for the third wicket. Usman on his part could contribute 24-ball 31. In between his effort he timed three hits across the ropes and one over it before falling prey to Ish Sodhi in the ninth over when Pakistan was at 81.

Babar and Fakhar then maintained the flow of runs before the skipper became the victim of a yorker unleashed by Ben Sears and the score was 123 for three by the end of 15th over. However, Babar took 33 balls to reach his fifty before marching to his ultimate total.

After Babar’s guiles, Fakhar and Iftikhar Ahmed cameo brought 150 for Pakistan in 17.4 overs and by the mid 19th over, Iftikhar gave high but easy catch to Michael Bracewell at long-on off James Neesham.

Shadab Khan joined Fakhar at the crease when Pakistan was 159 for four, the two batters hit a few boundaries but the latter was unfortunate to lose his wicket in his attempt of a six which was denied by Zakary Foulkes at deep backward square with a jumping catch on and off the ropes. He contributed 32 balls 42 laced with four boundaries and a six.

By the termination of the innings, Shadab (15 in five balls) and Imad Wasim (4) carried up enough score on the board for the home side bowlers to fight for.

Success came to five of the six bowlers used by New Zealand with a wicket each taken by Zakary Foulkes, William O’Rourke, Ben Sears, Ish Sodhi and James Neesham. Earlier winning the toss, the visiting team captain Michael Bracewell asked Pakistan to bat. New Zealand made three changes and brought back in Tim Seifert, Cole McConchie and Zakary Foulkes. Pakistan, however, made one change as they rested Zaman Khan and called in Shaheen Shah Afridi.