Pakistan emerge champions in tri-nation series

Sports Reporter :
Pakistan emerged the champions in the tri-nation series defeating hosts New Zealand by five wickets in the final at Hagley Oval in Christchurch of New Zealand on Friday.
Chasing New Zealand’s fighting total of 163 for the loss of seven wickets in the allotted 20 overs, Pakistan reached the winning target making 168 for the loss of five wickets when they had just three balls to spare.
New Zealand had a shaky start as they lost opener Finn Allen for just 12 runs.
One-down Devon Conway and second-down Kane Williamson repaired the damage contributing together 35 runs for the second wicket partnership before Conway (14) was bowled out by Haris Rauf when New Zealand’s total was 47 for the loss of two wickets.
After Conway’s dismissal, Kane and Glenn Phillips built another notable partnership scoring together 50 runs in the third-wicket stand before Phillips was caught at the long-on by Shan Masood off Mohammad Nawaz when New Zealand’s total was 97 for the loss of three wickets.
After Glenn’s departure, Kane and Mark Chapman added together 37 runs for the fourth wicket partnership before Kane was caught at the long-on by Masood off Shadab Khan when the Kiwis’ score was 134 for the loss of four wickets.
Kane hit a superb 59. His 38-ball innings saw four fours and two sixes.
Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah bagged two wickets each instead of 22 and 38 runs respectively.
Nawaz and Shadab took one wicket each conceding 33 and 30 runs respectively.
Pakistan had a modest start as openers Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam put on together 29 runs before Babar (15) was caught at the deep midwicket by Kane Williamson off Michael Bracewell.
After Babar’s departure, Rizwan and Massod put on together 35 runs in the second wicket stand before Masood (19) was caught at the point by Allen off Bracewell when the visitors’ score was 64 for the loss of two wickets.
Rizwan was trapped leg before wicket by Ish Sodhi when the tourists’ total was 74 for the loss of three wickets.
Rizwan hit a fine 34. His 29-ball innings saw four fours.
Then, Nawaz and Haider Ali scored together 56 runs for the fourth wicket partnership before Haider Ali was caught at the square leg by Chapman off Tim Southee when Pakistan’s total was 130 for the loss of four wickets.
Nawaz remained unbeaten with 38 runs. He hit three sixes and two fours in his 22-ball knock. Nawaz was adjudged the Player of the Match for his all-round performance.
Haider Ali made 31 from 15 deliveries with three fours and two sixes.
Bracewell was his team’s most successful bowler with two wickets for 14 runs.