NZ vs PAK | Twitter reacts to Rizwan-Shaheen set up Pakistan's win over Black Caps

04/20/2024

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Pakistan beat New Zealand by seven wickets in the 2nd T20 international at Rawalpindi. The hosts showed exceptional bowling performance and bowled out New Zealand for a mere 90 runs, whereas Mohammad Rizwan’s 45 off 34 deliveries helped the hosts to a clinical win with 47 balls to spare.

‌After a rain-abandoned game, Pakistan geared up to take on New Zealand in the 2nd T20I at Rawalpindi. Pakistan skipper Babar Azam won the toss and chose to bowl, a choice that paid dividends for his team. New Zealand found themselves in early trouble, losing key wickets of Tim Siefert, Tim Robinson, and Dean Foxcroft within the powerplay leaving the scorecard at 35/3. The woes deepened for the visitors as Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed dismissed Mark Chapman and James Neesham in the ninth over. Halfway through their innings, New Zealand were struggling at 56/5 and even Michael Bracewell couldn't ignite a revival and departed in the 11th over. With wickets falling consistently, New Zealand's batting faltered further with Cole McConchie and Ish Sodhi departing cheaply. With no substantial partnerships in the lower order, New Zealand managed a meager total of 90 runs in 18.1 overs. Shaheen Shah Afridi and Abrar Ahmed shone with the ball for Pakistan claiming three and two wickets respectively.

The home team faced an uncertain start when they lost Saim Ayub in the opening over, thanks to Ben Lister's exceptional catch. Nevertheless, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan steadied Pakistan's batting guiding them to 30/1 after four overs. Their partnership seemed promising until Bracewell claimed Babar's wicket in the fifth over. Adding to the challenge, Ish Sodhi dismissed Usman Khan leaving Pakistan at 60/3 after eight overs. However, Rizwan and Irfan Khan Niazi formed a stable partnership adding 23 runs, and taking the score to 79/3 in 10 overs. With just 12 runs needed to win in the remaining 10 overs, the Pakistani dugout brimmed with confidence for an imminent victory. In the end, Pakistan clinched the match by seven wickets in 12.1 overs, securing the lead in the 5-match T20 series.

Good win

That's It!!!

"Pakistan Beat New Zealand By 7 Wickets In The 2nd T20I & Lead The 5 Match T20I Series By 1-0"

Well Played Shaheens.#PAKvsNZ #PakistanCricketTeam pic.twitter.com/25KDbFIcOH
— Nawaz 🇵🇰 (@Rnawaz31888) April 20, 2024

Good game

Pakistan v New Zealand pic.twitter.com/RnN30zfN8J
— Abdullah (@michaelscottfc) April 20, 2024

Wholesome

my wholesome chuma chaati team is back 😭🤍😭🤍😭🤍

pic.twitter.com/MFcyG3NdE8
— pakistan team stan 🇵🇸 (@pakistan_stan) April 20, 2024

1st one

First win for Pakistan under Babar Azam captaincy 🤓❤️#PAKvsNZ pic.twitter.com/Ja8kOZti7n
— Babar Azam Army 👑 (@BabarArmy258) April 20, 2024

14th time

This is the 14th time Pakistan bowled out an opponent for less than 100 - the most by a full members' team. #Cricket #Pakistan
— Faizan Lakhani (@faizanlakhani) April 20, 2024

What a captain

Babar Azam now has 79 wins as captain of Pakistan in international cricket, the second-most after Imran Khan (89). #PakvNZ
— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) April 20, 2024

Nice

Pakistan vs New Zealand. pic.twitter.com/YJr0lfZ36q
— MUSKAN (@Mussskey) April 20, 2024

Captain bobzy

Rizwan played an innings of 45(34)* and made sure that Pakistan doesn't face defeat of shame against a NewZealand C team (probably a D or an E team).

CAPTAIN Bobzy 14(13)🥵

Mohd.Amir on comeback- 13/2 (3overs)#PAKvsNZ #BabarAzam pic.twitter.com/jf5eCLYVXO
— Satish Mishra 🇮🇳 (@SATISHMISH78) April 20, 2024

Standards

Shadab khan picking wickets, now you can understand standard of this New Zealand team..

Pakistan always feel happy to play against School teams. #PAKvNZ pic.twitter.com/OB79iAoqWE
— Satya Prakash (@Satya_Prakash08) April 20, 2024

What a fight!