New Zealand squared the five-match T20I series against Pakistan with a commanding seven-wicket victory in the third match, held at Rawalpindi on Sunday (April 21). Displaying remarkable resilience, the visitors successfully chased down Pakistan’s score of 179 with 10 balls to spare, showcasing their determination to level the series.
Naseem Shah’s milestone moment
While Pakistan suffered a setback against a depleted New Zealand side in the second T20I, it was Naseem Shah‘s impressive display of bowling prowess that grabbed headlines during the third encounter at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
During the sixth over of New Zealand’s innings, Naseem delivered an in swinging yorker to Tim Robinson, who was batting aggressively on 28 off 19 balls. Despite Robinson’s attempt to make room and expose the stumps to hit the ball over the off-side, he was unable to counter the delivery, resulting in his middle stump being uprooted. With this dismissal, Naseem reached a significant milestone in his international career, claiming his 100th international wicket, achieved in 63 innings across formats.
Here’s the video:
Fast bowler’s brilliance on display.
Ft. Naseem Shah! 🤩
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.#PAKvNZ #FanCode pic.twitter.com/hvcSGDNjFC
— FanCode (@FanCode) April 21, 2024
Also READ: PAK vs NZ 2024, T20I series: Broadcast, Live Streaming details – When and where to watch in India, USA, UK, Pakistan & other nations
Pakistan’s competitive total falls short as New Zealand clinches victory
In the match, Pakistan posted a competitive score of 178/4 after being put in to bat first. Shadab Khan‘s quickfire cameo of 41 runs off 20 balls, accompanied by Irfan Khan‘s brisk 30 off 20 balls, propelled Pakistan’s innings. However, despite contributions from Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, their low strike rates proved detrimental.
In response, New Zealand’s skipper Mark Chapman played a scintillating knock of 87 runs off just 42 deliveries, featuring nine fours and four towering sixes, guiding his side to victory in the penultimate over. Abbas Afridi emerged as the pick of the bowlers for Pakistan, grabbing 2 wickets.
The defeat will undoubtedly sting Pakistan, especially after their comfortable victory in the second T20I. The first match of the series ended without a result due to rain interruptions. Both teams are set to clash again on Thursday (April 25) for the fourth T20I at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
Also READ: PAK vs NZ, 2024: Pakistan’s best playing XI for the T20I series against New Zealand
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