Clinical Pakistan Beat New-Zealand by 6 Wickets
(The Quiver): On Saturday, by defeating New-Zealand by 6 wickets, Pakistan registered a comfortable win at Hagley Oval in Christchurch with Babar Azam (79*) and Haris Rauf 3-28 producing valuable contributions.
As it happened
After deciding to bat first, the Black Caps found it difficult to accelerate, largely due to an outstanding performance by Haris Rauf, who only gave up 28 runs while taking crucial wickets of Mark Chapman, James Neesham, and Michael Bracewell.
Despite scoring 36, 31 and 32 points, respectively, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, and Chapman were unable to capitalize on their starting positions. Following his impressive performance against the Tigers, Mohammad Wasim Jr. picked up two wickets for 20 runs against the Kiwis.
In the chase, in contrast to Bangladesh, Mohammad Rizwan, who struck a fifty, found it difficult to get going. He was defeated by Tim Southee after making a difficult 12-ball 4. New Zealand appeared to be making a comeback into the game when Shan Masood was out for a duck.
Shadab and Babar’s 61-run partnership, though, brought Pakistan’s proceedings back under control. The more aggressive of the two, Shadab scored a quick-fire 34 off 22 balls, including two fours and as many sixes.
But Babar continued to play flawlessly, scoring 79 off 53 while hitting 11 fours. Pakistan successfully defended 148 with 10 balls remaining thanks to Haider Ali’s brief cameo.
Babar Azam was adjusted Man of the Match for his 79* runs.
