Pakistan defended 134 in Christchurch

Pakistan’s cricket squad had a difficult series against New Zealand, losing four out of five games. They did, however, complete the series on a high note, winning the last Twenty20 international by 42 runs. Let’s look at how Pakistan’s spinners contributed to safeguarding a modest score of 134. With a target of 134, New Zealand battled against Pakistan’s spinners, finally being bowled out for 92 runs in 17.2 overs. This was a historic event since Pakistan successfully defended their score, resulting in the lowest T20I total defended by any side in New Zealand.

IftiMania rules again

The Pakistani spinners performed admirably in the fifth T20, particularly Iftikhar Ahmed, a part-time offspinner. Ahmed delivered an outstanding effort, recording a career-high 3-24. New Zealand’s batting order struggled with the shifting ball, as they were bowled for 92 runs.

New Zealand’s batting

Pakistan’s spinners dominated their batting performance, posing issues for New Zealand. With important players like Kane Williamson, Devon Conway, and Daryl Mitchell unavailable, the Black Caps’ squad was weakened. Only Finn Allen (22) and Glenn Phillips (26) scored more than twenty runs. The turning moment occurred when Pakistan claimed the final eight wickets for 39 runs, their highest bowling performance in the series.

Is Mohammad Nawaz back in form?

Mohammad Nawaz, a left-arm spinner, was instrumental with the new ball, taking two early wickets by dismissing Rachin Ravindra and Will Young. Shaheen Shah Afridi, captaining the squad for the first time, too had an impact with figures of 2-20. The lack of important New Zealand batters worked in Pakistan’s favour, allowing them to display their bowling abilities.

Pakistan’s batting

Earlier in the contest, New Zealand’s tight bowling limited Pakistan’s batsmen. Tim Southee, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, and Ish Sodhi all took two wickets. Southee, T20 cricket’s top wicket-taker, set the stage by dismissing rookie Haseebullah Khan in the first over and then removing the lethal Fakhar Zaman.

Despite the difficult circumstances, Pakistan’s top-scorer Mohammad Rizwan made an important contribution, striking 38 off 38 balls. However, due to a lack of assistance from other batsmen, Pakistan scored the series’ lowest first-innings score of 134-8.

Concluding remarks

While the series outcome favoured New Zealand, Pakistan’s triumph in the last T20 gave a happy finish. The spinners, led by Iftikhar Ahmed, demonstrated their abilities, and the side showed tenacity in defending a low total. As both sides move ahead, this encounter serves as a reminder of the unpredictable and exciting nature of cricket for fans across the world.