PAK VS NZ 5TH T20I
5th T20I, Lahore, April 27, 2024, 08:00 PM
Pakistan
178/5(20.0ov)
New Zealand
169/10(19.2ov)
Pakistan beat New Zealand by 9 runs
Right then that's it from the Final game of the 5-match T20I series between New Zealand and Pakistan. Both the captains share the trophy. After the opening game being washed out the two sides share a couple of victories each as the series draws level at 2-2. Cricketing action continues to come our way thick and fast and all you need to do is just stay updated to our side and we will keep on bringing more action to all. Until then cheers and goodbye!!
Babar Azam says he used the bowlers according to the game situation as the pitch was helping the seamers early on and the spinners later. Adda that he opted for Saim in the powerplay with the ball as he did the same in PSL and Imad is an experienced lad who could bowl anywhere. Mentions that the new ball was coming nicely but it gripped a hit as the ball got old. Adds that 10-20 run more could've been better as they were short of what they targeted. Closes by saying they have lots of positives from this series and they have mixed and matched a mot of combinations and this would help them going ahead.
Michael Bracewell says it’s a fair reflection of the series. Adds he is very happy that they came here and adjusted to the conditions. Shares they lost a couple of wickets in the middle and they lost momentum there, Usama Mir and Shaheen Afridi bowled really well and that is where lost momentum. It has been a great series, it’s been a great experience playing in these conditons and the debutants did well.
Shaheen Afridi wins the player of the match and the player of the series award. He says he tries to strike with the ball, also try to contribute with the bat and in the field. Shares the ball was keeping a bit low and they focused on bowling wicket-to-wicket and also on variations and it worked. Adds when the ball is reversing, he tries to mix things up but yorker is the best ball in this format
New Zealand had the game under the belt for most part but kept losing wickets regularly. Tim Seifert scored a fine fifty on top but did't got much partnership to build upon. Credit to Pakistan for the way they bowled. Shaheen Afridi was at his best tonight and so were the spinners in the middle phase who got the team back into the game. Shaheen Afridi ended with four wickets and produced an absolute match winning performance.
A thrilling game comes to an end. Pakistan needed this win to level the series and the bowlers stepped up to the occassion. New Zealand were ito the game till the last six overs when James Neesham was out there but onnce he fell, New Zealand crumbled and lost a couple of more wickets. However, the hopes were kept alive by Josh Clarkson who played a absolute blinder till the last over but didn't get on strike.
In over# 20
1W
0
1W+wd
Mohammad Amir 41/0(3.2)
19.2
W
OUT! RUN OUT! There is the last wicket and Pakistan manage to level the series! On middle. This is pulled through mid-wicket. They go for two. The throw is to the bowler who takes the bails off. Pakistan win by 9 runs!
19.1
.
Swing and a miss! Outside off. Clarkson swings but misses. Dots are gold.
19.1
1W+wd
OUT! Sears is short but Clarkson gets on strike and it's a wide. Down the leg side. Sears misses the flick. They go through for a run but the keeper lobs it back to Amir who takes the bails off. 11 in 6 now.
In over# 19
0
1
1wd
1
0
6
1
Abbas Afridi 24/0(2)
18.6
.
Dot to end! 12 needed then from the final over. Clarkson is off strike! Outside off. Josh slashes but misses again.
18.5
1
Now gets off strike! Fuller and on middle. This is pushed down to long on for one.
18.5
1wd
WIDE! Well wide outside off. Sears looks to reach out for it but misses. Bonus runs.
18.4
1
Fuller and on middle. This is pushed down to long on for one.
18.3
.
Now the slower one comes out. Outside off. Clarkson swings again but no connection.
18.2
6
SIX! Bang! He is a winning it for his side! What a hit. This is fuller and on middle. This is lifted well over the long on for a biggie. Only 15 in 10 needed.
18.1
1
Sears does what he needs to. Gets off strike by pushing it through covers. He gives the strike to Clarkson.
In over# 18
4
1
4
1wd
1lb
0
0
Mohammad Amir 39/0(3)