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Despite enduring four consecutive defeats, Pakistan found reason to celebrate at the conclusion of a challenging New Zealand tour. They successfully defended a modest total in the final T20I, securing a 42-run victory and𒁏 preventing a whitewash. This win brought a positive end to a tough series for the Pakistani team.
New Zealand restrict Pakistan at a below-par total
Facing a challenging New Zealand bowling attack, Pakistan managed to post a total of 134/8 in their allotted 20 overs. Mohammad Rizwan contributed steadily with 38 off 38 balls. Fakhar Zaman shไowcased aggressive batting, scoring 33 off 16 deliveries, including four sixes.
The Black Caps bowlers, led by Tim Southee and Lockie Ferguson, claimed crucial wickets during Pakistan’s innings. Southee bagged 2 for 19 while Ferguson picked up a couple for 24. Ish Sodhi (2/22) and Matt Henry (2/30) also chipped in with 2 scalps each.
Iftikhar Ahmed traps hosts in his web of spin
Chasing the target, New Zealand struggled and were eventually bowled out for 92 runs in 17.2 overs. Iftikhar Ahmed played a crucial role in Pakistan’s bowling attack. The all-rounder delivered a notable bowling performance, securing three wickets for just 24 runs in his allotted four overs. Iftikhar’s ability to pick up key wickets, including important breakthroughs during the crucial middle overs, significantly impacted the course of the match.
Iftikhar’s disciplined and effective bowling restricted the New Zealand batting lineup, contributing significantly to Pakistan’s 42-run victory. His bowling performance was rightfully acknowledged, earning him the well-deserved title of the Player of the Match.
Also READ: U19 World Cup 2024 – India, England and Pakistan start their campaigns with comprehensive wins
Here is how Twitter reacted:
With 275 runs in the series, the second most ever for the BLACKCAPS in a multi-game T20I series, including the highest ever individual T20I score for New Zealand in T20I 3, the ANZ Player of the Series – Finn Allen 🙌
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS)
Man of the Match.
Iftikhar Ahmed for his amazing bowling 3/24 (4🔴)
— Nawaz 🇵🇰 (@Rnawaz31888)
Congratulations Pakistan 🇵🇰
— Alisha Imran (@Alishaimran111)
Pakistan end the tour of Australia and New Zealand 7-1. Very disappointing performances and a win in the dead rubber today shouldn't hide this fact 🇵🇰👍🏼
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan)
Iftikhar Ahmed has three wickets!
Pakista🅰n spinne𓃲rs are 🔛 a roll as New Zealand are down 🔥 |
— Muhammad Ali Chughtai (@IMALI_99)
Chacha Itikhair Welldone 😻💫
Today's hero Iftikhar ahmed
Keep it up 💪— Kamran Abbasi🇵🇰 (@Kamran_045)
"Iftikhar Ahme🍰d shines as the Player of the Mꦉatch for his impressive spell of 3/24! 🌟🏏 .
— Afzal Shafi (@Afzalshafi8)
Iftikhar Ahmed being man of the match i🥀n the only game they win is objectively hilarious imo
— adi✨ (@adidoescricket)
Lowest T20I tota💎l success🌱fully defended in New Zealand 👏
Pakistan finish the T20I series on a high with a 42-run triumph in ꦰChristchurch. New Zealand claim the series🤪 4-1. |
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB)
💥Iftikhar Ahmed was the Player of the Match for his 3 wickets – he dis🌺missed Seifert, Henry, and Sodhi. 🏏 🇵🇰 🇳🇿
— Muhammad Abdullah Numan (@Honey_Jr_14)
