On Saturday, Pakistan defeated New Zealand by six wickets thanks to Babar Azam’s half-century. After thrashing Bangladesh by 21 runs on Friday, Babar’s 79 from 53 balls helped his team seize control of the series. Pakistan beats New Zealand, thanks to Babar Azam’s brilliant performance is news of the day!
Pakistan beats New Zealand, thanks to Babar Azam’s brilliant performance
At Hagley Oval, all three teams are practicing for the T20 World Cup. With 10 balls to spare, Babar’s knock changed New Zealand’s 147-8 into 149-4. Glenn Phillips lost a catch off Tim Southee’s bowling with Babar on 27.
The opener scored his 28th T20 international half-century, trailing just Virat Kohli (33). Southee dismissed Mohammad Rizwan, who had an unbeaten 78 against Bangladesh, early, and Pakistan’s middle order struggled. Babar’s presence assured the success of his team. Blair Tickner’s (2-42) final over yielded 21 runs to him and Haider Ali.
Babar claimed the 61-run third-wicket stand with Shadab demonstrating a World Cup strategy, with the allrounder batting higher. Earlier, Mark Chapman’s late hits resurrected New Zealand’s batsmen. Chapman’s 32 off 16 balls came after solid efforts from opener Devon Conway (36 off 35 balls) and captain Kane Williamson (31 off 30). During a 61-run second-wicket stand, both struggled with timing.
Over the last 18 months, Williamson has only reached 50 twice in 29 innings. Chapman was clean-bowled while attempting to slog-sweep spinner Mohammad Nawaz and then holed out to paceman Haris Rauf’s slower ball (3-28). The match on Sunday features New Zealand against Bangladesh.
“We have a plan to send Shadab up to charge the bowlers, to utilise his skills,” Babar said.
“He played very well. We planned that I would go all the way and Shadab would take a chance.”
Playing XI
Pakistan: Babar Azam (C), Mohammad Rizwan, Shan Masood, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Haider Ali, Asif Ali, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim, Haris Rauf, Shahnawaz Dahani
New Zealand: Devon Conway, Finn Allen, Kane Williamson, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, James Neesham, Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Blair Tickner, Ish Sodhi
