New Zealand defeated Pakistan by nine wickets by effortlessly chasing out the target set by the Green Shirts in the fourth match of the tri-nation Twenty20 International series at the Hagley Oval stadium in Christchurch, Tuesday.
The hosts restricted Pakistan to 130 for seven, as Michael Bracewell took the key wickets of the prolific opening pair of Mohammad Rizwan (16) and captain Babar Azam (21) in fine figures of two for 11 from his four overs.
Tim Southee took two wickets in two balls at the end of the innings at Hagley Oval as New Zealand tried to avenge their defeat to Pakistan at the same venue on Saturday.
Both teams, plus Bangladesh, are using the week-long tournament to fine-tune for the T20 World Cup in Australia this month.
Iftikhar Ahmed top scored with 27, including three fours.
Southee removed Iftikhar and Mohammad Nawaz with the first two deliveries of final over but Mohammad Wasim survived the hat-trick ball.
Haris Rauf was replaced by Naseem Shah in the Pakistan team.
In the third T20I on October 9, the hosts trounced Bangladesh by eight wickets, as Black Caps batter Devon Conway helped his side chase out the easy target of 138 with an unbeaten 70.
New Zealand’s Ish Sodhi became the fifth bowler to take 100 wickets in Twenty20 internationals.
Bangladesh were restricted to 137-8 in their tri-series match in Christchurch.
The Pakistan side has decided to take on board young pacer Naseem Shah as his health condition has improved. Meanwhile, the other paceman Mohammad Hasnain, is on complete rest.
The two bowlers were diagnosed with a viral infection and didn’t play in any of the two matches that Men in Green have played so far in the ongoing tri-nation series in New Zealand.
Sources said that Naseem participated in the net sessions on Saturday and Sunday. The pacer has recently recovered from the coronavirus.
Earlier, the Green Shirts had a day off from practice to rest on Sunday. However, they held a practice session on Monday to take on the Kiwis today.
The Men in Green have so far snagged two wins in the ongoing cricket event. Pakistan registered their second win in the tri-series by defeating the hosts in Saturday’s clash. Pakistan defeated Bangladesh in the series opener against Bangladesh on October 7.
The three teams are part of a week-long tournament being played in Christchurch. Each side is using it to prepare for the T20 World Cup in Australia, starting later this month.
