ICC T20 World Cup: Pakistan defeats New Zealand

SHARJAH: Pakistan beats New Zealand by five wickets after struggling against Black Caps. Asif Ali hit two sixes in bring the team towards the winning.

Babar and Rizwan carefully started Pakistan’s innings. However, the Pakistani skipper was bowled out by Tim Southee, as New Zealand drawing first blood.

Fakhar Zaman, after scoring a six, was trapped lbw. Hafeez showed some promise, hitting a six as well a few overs later. However, he was dismissed off a superb catch from Conway off Santner’s delivery.

A few deliveries later, Sodhi struck again for New Zealand, trapping Rizwan lbw. Rizwan walked off, not reviewing the decision.

Earlier, a Pakistani bowling onslaught led by right-arm pacer Haris Rauf kept New Zealand at bay, as the Black Caps handed Pakistan a mediocre target of 135 runs Tuesday.

New Zealand started their innings against Pakistan cautiously, but ended up losing four wickets to Pakistan before hitting three figures.

Martin Guptill, Daryll Mitchell and Jimmy Neesham headed to the pavilion after being dismissed by Haris Rauf, Imad Wasim and Mohammad Hafeez respectively.

After 10 overs, New Zealand had already lost three wickets to Pakistan’s bowling attack.

Earlier, the Kiwis made a cautious start by holding off Shaheen Afridi and Imad Wasim, as both Pakistani bowlers kept their line and length.

However, a blistering delivery by Haris Rauf caught Martin Guptill unawares, and shattered his stumps.

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