Pakistan finally ended their losing streak after winning NZ vs PAK 5th T20I at Christchurch on Sunday. The victory marked the first one under the captaincy of Shaheen Afridi and the first win of this year. Ifthikar Ahmed was adjudged the Player of the Match for his 3-24 spell from four overs. The win further marked the lowest T20 score defended in New Zealand.
NZ vs PAK: Pakistan manage to spin their way to victory
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Pakistan did not get off to a good start, with debutant opener Haseebullah Khan flopping. Vice captain Mohamnma Rizwan managed to play a run-a-ball 38-run knock before he was sent packing. While Fakhar Zaman played a handy 33-run knock, the rest of the batting order failed to fire, finishing at 134/8 in 20 overs.
In response, the Kiwis looked uncomfortable against the Men in Green for once in this series. Finn Allen, New Zealand’s Mr. Dependable, was stopped short of unleashing his onslaught by Zaman Khan. Mohammad Nawaz and Shaheen Afridi got two scalps each before Ifthikar spun his side to a 42-run victory.
Pakistan will hope to turnaround their fortunes in the shortest format of the game with the T20 World Cup 2024 looming in the horizon. The Men in Green will now head back home for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) where they will attempt to hone their skills for the marquee event.
