Pakistan Levels T20 Series with Victory Over New Zealand

News Desk 

Islamabad:  Pakistan leveled the T20 series against New Zealand by defeating them by 9 runs in the last match. Chasing a target of 179 runs set by Pakistan, New Zealand was bowled out for 169 runs.

Tim Seifert was the top scorer for New Zealand with 52 runs, followed by captain Michael Bracewell with 23 runs, Jimmy Neesham with 16 runs, and Mark Chapman with 12 runs.

Shaheen Shah Afridi of Pakistan took 4 wickets, while Usama Mir claimed 2 wickets. Shadab Khan and Imad Wasim dismissed one player each.

The match, held at Gaddafi Stadium Lahore, saw New Zealand winning the toss and inviting Pakistan to bat first.

Pakistan scored 178 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Captain Babar Azam led from the front with a brilliant innings of 69 runs off 44 balls, registering his 34th half-century. Fakhar Zaman scored 43 runs, Usman Khan contributed 31 runs, and Shadab Khan added 15 runs towards the end.

For New Zealand, Zach Foulkes, William O’Rourke, Ben Sears, Jimmy Neesham, and Ish Sodhi each took one wicket.

Shaheen Afridi was declared the player of the match for his outstanding performance, and also the player of the series for his 8 wickets throughout.

The Pakistani team included Babar Azam, Saeem Ayub, Usman Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim, Shaheen Afridi, Usama Mir, Abbas Afridi, and Mohammad Amir.

The New Zealand team consisted of Michael Bracewell, Tom Blundell, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Zach Foulkes, Cole McConkey, Jimmy Neesham, William O’Rourke, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert, and Ish Sodhi.

The first match of the series was canceled due to rain. Pakistan won the second match, while New Zealand emerged victorious in the third and fourth matches.