Pakistan registered their second win on the trot in the ongoing T20 World Cup by defeating New Zealand in Sharjah.
Chasing 135 for victory, Pakistan got to 30 for the loss of one wicket by the end of the powerplay overs. New Zealand seamer Tim Southee bagged his 100th T20I scalp as he removed Pakistan skipper Babar Azam on 9. Then, leg-spinner Ish Sodhi, after being hit for a huge six, took his revenge by trapping Fakhar Zaman LBW plumb in front. The Men in Green, who were ﷺ58/1 after ten overs, lost three wickets in the ne𓆉xt four overs to stutter to 91/5.
The highlight of the phase was a freakish catch taken by Devon Conway at an outrageous boundary-line to dismiss Mohammad Hafeez. Eventually, the duo of Asif Ali (27* off 12) and Shoaib Malik (26* off 20) put up a match💙-winning 48-run stand for the sixth wicket, completing the chase with eight ball♍s to spare.
Earlier, after being asked to bat first, New Zealand started steadily as they reached 42/1 in the first six overs. Martin Guptill (17 off 20) was cleaned up by Haris Rauf in the 6th over. In the next four overs, Imad Wasim removed the dangerous-looking Daryl Mitchell while Mohammad Hafeez sent James Neesham packing on 1.
NZ captain Kane Williamson smashed a few boundaries, and just as his partnership with Conway started to build, Hasan Ali ran out Williamson with a direct hit on to the stumps. The Black Caps were 100/4 after 15 overs. Soon, Rauf removed Conway and Glenn Phillips in the same over a🃏nd finished with a four♋-wicket haul.
NZ could just make 13꧑4 runs for the loss of eight wickets inꦛ their stipulated 20 overs.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Pakistan are looking exceptional .. They will reach the Semis .. 🌳all other teams will will hope to avoid them & pray that whoever gets them knocks them out before the final .. Love watching them play Cricket ..
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan)
Pakistan form team to beat at this stage.. momentum well and truly wi𝐆th them✅
— Herschelle Gibbs (@hershybru)
Pakistan is on a roll. A comprehensive win against India & now a hard-fought win against New Zealand. Their bowling looks in top form. Tonight the in-form opening partnership didn't click but it was Malik & Asif who finished the game for Pakistan
— Sarang Bhalerao (@bhaleraosarang)
It was a win for t🦹he teams in green today on Da🌳y 10 of the
An important wiꦿn for South Africa, with Pakistan two from two in the Super 12 stage 🎉 |
— ICC (@ICC)
this is why u need experience in the tea🅰m welldone and bhi goo𝐆d answer for those jin ko lagta tha ap ka impact ni hai team me welldone Pakistan 🇵🇰.
— Mohammad Amir (@iamamirofficial)
CONGRATULATIONS!
Pakistan make it two out of two 🇵🇰🙌👏— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB)
Congratulati🌊✃ons team 🇵🇰 . Love to watch the way our bowlers bowled .keep it up boys💪
— Umar Gul (@mdk_gul)
This is our message of PEACE. Support your team. This is your win. This is🏅 for PAKISTAN. This is for peace. Kabhi na bhulo , hai hamara Pakistan, hai tumhara Pakistan.
— Shadab Khan (@76Shadabkhan)
Just a few months back New-Zealand aborted their tour of Pakistan and this must have been sweet 🐻for the men in green
— Hemang Badani (@hemangkbadani)
That makes it two in two for Pakistan, congratulations everyone👍☂🏼 Well 🌟played team. Absolutely sensational from bhai and . Keep going boys🙌🏼
— Wahab Riaz (@WahabViki)
this is why u need experiencꦯe in the team welldone and bhi good answer for those jin ko lagta tha ap ka impact ni hai team me welldone Pakistan 🇵🇰.
— Mohammad Amir (@iamamirofficial)
Some atmosph🎐ere in Sharjah. Good crowds make a broadcast richer. Well played again Pakistan. Very imprꦜessive, especially (not exclusively) in that bowling unit.
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi)
High impact innings from Asif Ali: scores 27* off 12 balls. That's why it is important to back the finishers with the ability. Can win games on their own
— Sarang Bhalerao (@bhaleraosarang)
Different victory, Different fashion.
Depth in batting line up displayed to perfection. MashAllah.
Going great 🐷guys. Haris, Malik, Asif kya baat hai.— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph)
Exp𓆉erience of and youngster did the trick for
— Vinay Kumar R (@Vinay_Kumar_R)
