Sharjah: Pakistan continued their unbeaten run in Super 12,Group 2 of the ICC World T20 as they beat New Zealand by 5 wickets in Sharjah on Tuesday.Chasing a mere 135, Pakistan felt the pressure early losing Babar Azam on a single digit with Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Hafeez following their skipper soon after.
Mohammad Rizwan(33), the top scorer of Pakistan was holding the anchor but fell to superb delivery by Ish Sodhi(2/28) topping bowling charts for New Zealand. The Kiwis stretched the game towards the end despite not having much runs on the board.
However, veteran Shoaib Malik(26*) and Asif Ali(2*) kept the hopes for their side alive. Asif struck a couple of sixes off Tim Southee in the 17th over changing the complexion of the game. Despite their experience, the Kiwi bowlers were unable to keep the Pakistani batsman at bay until the conclusion, as the duo contributed 48 runs for Pakistan, who are now at the top of Group 2.
Earlier, New Zealand scratched their way through to 134/8 in 20 overs after their batting line up was unable show their colours in front of a formidable bowling attack. The Kiwis failed to build up good partnerships to put up a good score. Daryl Mitchell(27) and Devon Conway(27) were top score while skipper Kane Williamson(25) was the only man to get to his 20’s.
Pakistan again executed their plans well again. Speedster Haris Rauf(4/22) had great outing running through the defences of the Kiwi batters, last match’s star Shaheen Afridi(1/21) picked up a wicket as well.
Brief Scores: Pakistan 135/5 in 18.2 overs(Mohammad Rizwan 33, Asif Ali 27; Ish Sodhi 2/28) beat New Zealand 134/8 in 20 overs( Daryl Mitchell 27, Devon Conway 27 ; Haris Rauf 4/22) by 5 wickets.
