At Christchurch’s Hagley Oval, Pakistan defeated New Zealand by six wickets in the second game of the tri-series.
While trying to chase down the target, Pakistan lost two early wickets, but vice-captain Shadab Khan and captain Babar Azam put up a solid partnership for the team. Shadab just needed 22 balls to get 34 runs, compared to Babar’s 79 off 53.
Mohammad Rizwan, the wicketkeeper’s batter, scored four runs, Mohammad Nawaz 16, while Shan Masood failed to score and returned inside on a nought.
Babar was the one who scored the winning runs. In 12 balls, Pakistan needed to score 3 runs. On Ish Sodhi’s bowl, Babar smacked a superb four to give his team the victory.
Blair Tickner, a bowler from New Zealand, helped his team by getting two wickets.
New Zealand could only manage to score 147-8 overall. Haris Rauf, a Pakistani bowler, claimed three wickets while allowing just 28 runs in his four overs. Excellent with the ball, Mohammad Wasim got 2 wickets in his 4 overs, Shahnawaz Dahani gave up 22 in his 3 overs, and Mohammad Nawaz also claimed 2 wickets in his 4 overs. Shadab Khan was frugal, only letting up 21 runs over the course of his four overs.
The Player of the Match award went to Babar Azam for his successful innings. Speaking during the post-match awards ceremony, Babar observed, “We did a great job playing. Our bowlers did a good job throughout the first six overs and also towards the end. I am thrilled to be the captain.”
When discussing the team’s strategy, he added, “We got off to a good start right away. I wanted to use the first six overs, and Rizwan agreed. We have a strategy in place to put Shadab’s abilities to work further up the hierarchy. He put forth a lot of effort. I assured him that Shadab would take the risks while I would give it my best. I intended to play all the way through when we sat down to examine the wicket and the playing conditions.”
He responded, “Little little different owing to dew, maybe little bit spinners are finding it hard because to the dew,” when questioned about the pitch.
