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

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

SportsCafe Desk

By SportsCafe Desk, SportsCafe Editor

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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

Good game

Wholesome

1st one

14th time

What a captain

Nice

Captain bobzy

Standards

What a fight!

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