Cricket - T20i
New Zealand beat Pakistan by 21 runs in Second T20i in Hamilton
Sports Bulletin ReportHamilton (New Zeeland): Hosts New Zealand defeated Pakistan by 21 runs in the second T20 international fixture of the five-match Series in Hamilton New Zealand on Sunday, as a couple of half-centuries by Babar and Fakhar were not enough to sail the team to victory. Black Caps have earned a 2-0 lead in the vital T20i series.Pakistani captain Shaheen Shah Afridi won the toss and invited Kiwis to bat first. New Zealand posted 194 for the loss of eight wickets in the first innings. In return, Pakistan were bowled out for 173 courtesy of a solid performance by the home side’s bowling attack.A 59-run opening stand between Finn Allen and Devon Conway allowed New Zealand a breezy start. Aamir Jamal provided the first breakthrough for Pakistan by removing Conway (20, 15b, 3x4s) in the last over of the powerplay.New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson then stitched a 52-run partnership with Allen before he tight hamstring forced him to retire hurt after contributing a 15-ball 26, including three fours and a six. Allen’s attack saw him produce 74 from 41 balls, showcasing seven boundaries and five maximums before he fell to a googly by Usama Mir in the 13th over, handing the latter his maiden T20I wicket. Right-arm pacer Haris Rauf, who bagged three scalps in one over, was the most successful bowler for Pakistan. He was supported by fellow right-arm pacer Abbas Afridi, who accounted for two wickets. Aamir and Usama had a wicket each.Chasing 195, the visitors struggled at the start losing opening batters Saim Ayub (1, 3b) and Mohammad Rizwan (7, 5b, 1x6) inside the first two overs. Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman batted well to add 87 runs for the third-wicket partnership, bringing a semblance of stability to the innings.Adam Milne struck in the 10th over to turn the tide for New Zealand as he disturbed Fakhar’s stumps, who walked back after scoring a fiery 25-ball 50, studded with three fours and five sixes. Pakistan then lost Iftikhar Ahmed, Azam Khan and Aamir cheaply to bring the total to 125-6 in 14.3 overs.Babar completed his 32nd T20I half-century (66, 43b, 7x4s, 2x6s) before he was caught by Tim Southee off Ben Sears’ bowling. Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi added a quick-fire 22 from 13, including one four and two maximums, attempting to keep Pakistan in the game, until he fell to Milne.A four-wicket haul by Milne, complemented by two wickets each by Sears, Southee and Ish Sodhi helped dismiss Pakistan for 173, to award New Zealand their second consecutive victory. Allen was adjudged player of the match for his impressive performance.
Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Rawalpindi to host 34 matches of PSL
HBL PSL-9 to start on February 17, Gaddafi, and Pindi Stadium to host 9 matchesAbdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Karachi, Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi will host 34 matches of PSL Season-9 and the prestigious cricket league will be kicked off on February 17, 2024 at the Qaddafi Cricket Stadium Lahore with the match between Lahore Qalandars and Islamabad United.Chair of PCB Management Committee, Zaka Ashraf said: “We are thrilled to announce that the HBL Pakistan Super League's ninth edition is set to kick off on February 17, showcasing the best of T20 cricket in four cities across Pakistan. The decision to host the marquee event across these cities is a testament to our commitment to bring top-notch cricket to fans across the country. We believe that hosting matches in these venues not only adds to the excitement for fans but also promotes cricket at the grassroots level. As we gear up for this spectacular event, we look forward to witnessing thrilling action and creating unforgettable moments for cricket enthusiasts worldwide.”Schedule of MatchesFebruary 17, 2024 Lahore Qalandars v Islamabad United, Gaddafi Stadium LahoreFebruary 18, 2024 Quetta Gladiators v Peshawar Zalmi, Gaddafi Stadium Lahore; Multan Sultans v Karachi Kings, Multan Cricket StadiumFebruary 19, 2024 Lahore Qalandars v Quetta Gladiators, Gaddafi Stadium LahoreFebruary 20, 2024 Multan Sultans v Islamabad United, Multan Cricket StadiumFebruary 21, 2024 Peshawar Zalmi v Karachi Kings, Gaddafi Stadium Lahore; Multan Sultans v Lahore Qalandars, Multan Cricket StadiumFebruary 22, 2024 Quetta Gladiators v Islamabad United, Gaddafi Stadium LahoreFebruary 23, 2024 Multan Sultans v Peshawar Zalmi, Multan Cricket StadiumFebruary 24, 2024 Lahore Qalandars v Karachi Kings, Gaddafi Stadium LahoreFebruary 25, 2024 Multan Sultans v Quetta Gladiators, Multan Cricket Stadium; Lahore Qalandars v Peshawar Zalmi, Gaddafi Stadium LahoreFebruary 26, 2024 Peshawar Zalmi v Islamabad United, Gaddafi Stadium LahoreFebruary 27, 2024 Lahore Qalandars v Multan Sultans, Gaddafi Stadium LahoreFebruary 28, 2024 Karachi Kings v Islamabad United, National Bank StadiumFebruary 29, 2024 Karachi Kings v Quetta Gladiators, National Bank Stadium March 2, 2024 Peshawar Zalmi v Lahore Qalandars, Pindi Cricket Stadium; Islamabad United v Quetta Gladiators, Pindi Cricket StadiumMarch 3, 2024 Karachi Kings v Multan Sultans, National Bank StadiumMarch 4, 2024 Islamabad United v Peshawar Zalmi, Pindi Cricket StadiumMarch 5, 2024 Peshawar Zalmi v Multan Sultans, Pindi Cricket StadiumMarch 6, 2024 Quetta Gladiators v Karachi Kings, Pindi Cricket Stadium; Islamabad United v Lahore Qalandars, Pindi Cricket StadiumMarch 7, 2024 Islamabad United v Karachi Kings, Pindi Cricket StadiumMarch 8, 2024 Peshawar Zalmi v Quetta Gladiators, Pindi Cricket StadiumMarch 9, 2024 Karachi Kings v Lahore Qalandars, National Bank StadiumMarch 10, 2024 Islamabad United v Multan Sultans, Pindi Cricket Stadium; Quetta Gladiators v Lahore Qalandars, National Bank StadiumMarch 11, 2024 Karachi Kings v Peshawar Zalmi, National Bank StadiumMarch 12, 2024 Quetta Gladiators v Multan Sultans, National Bank Stadium March 14, 2024 Qualifier (1 v 2), National Bank StadiumMarch 15, 2024 Eliminator 1 (3 v 4), National Bank StadiumMarch 16, 2024 Eliminator 2 (Eliminator Winner v Qualifier Runner-up), National Bank StadiumMarch 18, 2024 Final, National Bank Stadium
Green Shirts hope to do well against Black Caps in T20 Series
Sports Bulletin ReportAuckland (New Zeeland): Pakistan are well-prepared to take on New Zealand in a five-match T20I series, which will be rolled into action on 12 January at Eden Park in Auckland. The first ball of the match will be bowled at 1110 PKT. This will mark left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi’s first assignment as captain, having taken over the reins from Babar Azam.Fourth-ranked Pakistan last played T20Is back in April 2023, when they faced New Zealand at home for a five-match series played in Lahore and Rawalpindi. Wicketkeepe-batter Mohammad Rizwan, who has been named Shaheen’s vice-captain, was Pakistan’s leading run-getter in the series. Right-arm pacer Haris Rauf was the most successful bowler during that assignment.Pakistan’s squad: Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Mohammad Rizwan (vice-captain, wicket-keeper), Aamir Jamal, Abbas Afridi, Azam Khan (wicket-keeper), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah (wicket-keeper), Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jounior, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Usama Mir and Zaman Khan.
Bermuda host the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Americas Qualifier
Sports Bulletin ReportBermuda: The journey to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies and the USA continues, this time, Bermuda opens doors to host the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Americas Qualifier from 30 September to 7 October 2023.Bermuda, Canada, Cayman Islands and Panama will battle it out in a double round-robin format, over six days to earn a place in the 2024 edition of the Men’s T20 World Cup – the biggest one yet, featuring 20 teams in total.Fara Gorsi, ICC Regional Development Manager – Americas said: "It is exciting to have the regional final that will determine the region’s last spot in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. This is obviously a special World Cup for us in the Americas, as it will be hosted in our region jointly by the USA & the West Indies”.“All four teams have proved to be competitive, and we look forward to a high standard event. The ever-progressing hosts, Bermuda Cricket Board, have worked tirelessly to ensure they deliver a world-class final tournament for the region. A huge thank you and acknowledgement of Calvin Blankendal and his team.”Calvin Blankendal, CEO of the Bermuda Cricket Board said: “Bermuda is delighted to have the opportunity to host the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Americas Qualifier in the island. “We are excited to host our first ICC tournament since 2019. We are certain that the event will be second to none, with passion and love for the game that you won’t find easily anywhere else. “We also believe it is a great opportunity for us to get back to the biggest stage as we aim to participate in the Men’s T20 World Cup in 2024”.Participating teams:Bermuda: Delray Rawlins, Kamau Leverock, Terryne Fray, Charles Trott, Dominic Sabir, Sinclair Smith, Zeko Burgess, Derrick Brangman, Tre Manders, Jarryd Richardson, Malachi Jones, Macquille Walker, Allan Douglas. II, Cejay Outerbridge, Josclyn Pitcher.Canada: Aaron Johnson, Dilpreet Bajwa, Dilon Heyliger, Harsh Thaker, Jeremy Gordon, Kaleem Sana-Ur-Rehman, Nicholas Kirton, Nikhil Dutta, Pargat Singh, Navneet Dhaliwal,Saad Bin Zafar, Shahid Ahmadzai, Shreyas Movva, Srimantha Wijeyeratne, Ammar KhalidCayman Islands: Ramon Anthony Sealy, Paul Okerio Manning, Yeron Sacha Duran De Alwis-Seneviratne, Troy Clinton Taylor, Akshay Reddy Naidoo, Kevon Adrian Bazil, Paul Anthony Chin, Mohan Manivannan, Conroy Fabian Wright, Brian Kerr Corbin, Patrick Albert Heron, Alessandro Alifaroh Morris, Romeo Orlando Careco Dunka, Alistair Fitzwarren Ifill, Christopher Samuel Raj BalrajPanama: Yusuf Ebrahim Akalwaya, Anilkumar Nathubhai Ahir, Khengar Bhai Ratilal Ahir, Mahmud Bhana Jasat, Mohmad Sohel Umer Patel, Nikunj Mukesh Bhai Ahir, Abdullah Bham Jasat, Rahul Dipakbhai Ahir, Sohilkumar Girisbhai Ahir, Laxman Ramakant Gaonkar, Ibrahim Ismail Ranguni Bhana, Jay Kumar Chetanbhai Ahir, Mahmad Musaji Data, Abdullah Afzal Bhoola Bhoola, Faizan Liyakat Patel.
Dallas, Florida, New York confirmed as hosts of T20 World Cup 2024
Sports Bulletin ReportDubai (UAE): The International Cricket Council (ICC) today confirmed Dallas, Florida and New York as the three USA venues identified to host the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. Grand Prairie in Dallas, Broward County in Florida and Nassau County in New York will be part of history as the event is staged in the USA for the first time.The ICC Board awarded the hosting of the event to the West Indies and the USA in November 2021. The venues were selected following extensive evaluation of several options.An agreement has been reached for the construction of a 34,000-seat modular stadium in Eisenhower Park, a purpose-built sports and events park in Nassau County, New York, on awarding of the required permit next month. The existing venues in Grand Prairie and Broward County will be increased in size by modular stadium solutions to expand seating, media and premium hospitality areas subject to final agreement.ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice said: “We’re delighted to announce the three USA venues that will host part of the biggest ICC Men’s T20 World Cup ever staged, with 20 teams competing for the trophy. The USA is a strategically important market and these venues give us an excellent opportunity to make a statement in the world’s biggest sport market.“We explored a number of potential venue options in the country, and we were hugely encouraged by the enthusiasm the event generated amongst prospective hosts, reinforcing the growing awareness around cricket’s massive fanbase and its power to unite diverse communities.”We are very excited about the opportunity to use modular stadium technology to present world class cricket in a location that has not previously hosted an ICC global event giving USA cricket fans the chance to watch the world’s best on their doorstep. This technology has been used at previous ICC events to increase venue capacity and it’s routinely used in other major sports around the world. In the USA, it will give us the opportunity to increase the size of the venues in both Dallas and Florida and create what is going to be a stunning venue in New York.”Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman said: “Nassau County is excited to partner with the ICC to host the Men’s T20 World Cup, one of the most popular sporting events in the world. With more than one billion fans worldwide, this event will attract fans from all around the world to Eisenhower Park.“Whether it be PGA events, record breaking concerts in our parks, or the annual Belmont Stakes, we are no stranger to hosting large scale events on the world stage. I look forward to bringing our many diverse communities together to watch some of the best cricket in the world, right here in Nassau County.”
Cricket News: New Zealand beat Pakistan by 6 wickets
A duo of New Zealand batters, Mark Chapman (104) and Neesham (45) take Kiwis home in 19.2 oversBy Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: New Zealand pounded Pakistan by 6 wickets in the final encounter of 5-match T20I series on Monday (April 24, 2023) at the Pindi Cricket Stadium Rawalpindi, as the series ended 2-2 draw. The penultimate match was called off owing to heavy rain and hailstorms in the twin cities Rawalpindi and Islamabad at the same venue.Earlier, New Zealand captain Tom Latham won the toss and decided to go for the chase. Pakistan scored 194 in 20 overs. Mohammad Rizwan was the topper with 98 runs. He faced 62 balls and hammered 7 fours and four huge sixes. Iftikhar Ahmed and Imad Wasim also exhibited top quality T20 cricket by scoring 36 and 31 runs respectively on 22 and 14 balls. Skipper Babar Azam contributed 19 runs off 18 balls. Blair Tickner claimed three wickets while Ish Sodhi got a single piece of wickets, as both successful bowlers conceded 33 and 21 runs respectively in their 4 overs.Chasing 194 runs in 20 overs, Black Caps started the innings with Tom Latham and Chad Bowes, as Shaheen Afridi sent two batters back to the pavilion in his first over. Latham could not score a single run while Willy Young dismissed after hitting one four. An unbeaten 120 runs partnership between Mark Chapman (104 runs not out, 57 balls, 4x11, 6x4) and Jimmy Neesham (45 runs not out, 25 balls, 4x4, 6x2) took their side home in the last over of the match. Imad Wasim and Shaheen Shah Afridi shared two wickets each from the home side, as Afridi conceded 16 runs in his last over, which was an important 17th over of the match. Mark Chapman was judged best player of the match on his remarkable ton.Summarized Scorecard:Toss: New Zealand won the toss and decided to field firstVenus: Pindi Cricket Stadium, RawalpindiPlayer of the Match: Mark Chapman (New Zealand)Series: Tie 2-2Pakistan (Batting) 193 runs for 5 in 20 oversMohammad Rizwan (98 runs, 62 balls, 4x7, 6x4), Iftikhar Ahmed (36 runs, 22 balls, 4x3, 6x2), Imad Wasim (31 runs, 14 balls, 4x5, 6x1), Babar Azam (19 runs, 18 balls, 4x3, 6x0)New Zealand (Bowling)Blair Tickner (3 for 33), Ish Sodhi (1 for 21)New Zealand (Batting) Target 194 runs in 20 oversMark Chapman (104 runs not out, 57 balls, 4x11, 6x4), Jimmy Neesham (45 runs not out, 25 balls, 4x4, 6x2), Chad Bowes (19 runs, 13 balls, 4x4, 6x0),Pakistan (Bowling)Imad Wasim (2 for 21), Shaheen Shah Afridi (2 for 48)Pakistan (Playing XIs):Babar Azam (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Faheem Ashraf, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Ihsanullah, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah AfridiSubstitutes:Fakhar Zaman, Shan Masood, Zaman Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem ShahNew Zealand (Playing XIs):Tom Latham (captain, wicketkeeper), Chad Bowes, Mark Chapman, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Rachin Ravindra, Henry Shipley, Ish Sodhi, Blair Tickner, Will YoungSubstitutes:Dane Cleaver, Matt Henry, Ben Lister, Cole McConchieSchedule & Results:April 14, 2023: Pakistan beat New Zealand by 88 runsApril 15, 2023: Pakistan beat New Zealand by 38 runsApril 17, 2023: New Zealand beat Pakistan by 4 wicketsApril 20, 2023: Called off duo to hailstorm in Pindi StadiumApril 24, 2023: New Zealand beat Pakistan by 6 wicketsApril 27, 2023: 1st ODI at Pindi Stadium RawalpindiApril 29, 2023: 2nd ODI at Pindi Stadium RawalpindiMay 3, 2023:3rd ODI at National Stadium KarachiMay 5, 2023: 4th ODI at National Stadium KarachiMay 7, 2023: 5th ODI at National Stadium Karachi
Live from Pindi: Pakistan set a 194-run target for visitors to square the T20I Series
By Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Hosts Pakistan set a-194-run target for New Zealand to level the 5-match T20I series on Monday (April 24, 2023) at the Pindi Cricket Stadium Rawalpindi, as the 4th T20I was called off owing to heavy rain and hailstorms in the twin cities Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Pakistan were leading 2-1 in the series before this tie.Earlier, New Zealand captain Tom Latham won the toss and decided to go for the chase. Pakistan scored 194 in 20 overs. Mohammad Rizwan was topper with 98 runs. Pakistan squad:Babar Azam (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Ihsanullah, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shan Masood, Zaman KhanNew Zealand squad:Tom Latham (captain, wicketkeeper), Chad Bowes, Mark Chapman, Dane Cleaver, Matt Henry, Ben Lister, Adam Milne, Cole McConchie, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Rachin Ravindra, Henry Shipley, Ish Sodhi, Blair Tickner, Will YoungSchedule & Results:April 14, 2023: Pakistan beat New Zealand by 88 runsApril 15, 2023: Pakistan beat New Zealand by 38 runsApril 17, 2023: New Zealand beat Pakistan by 4 wicketsApril 20, 2023: Called off duo to hailstorm in Pindi StadiumApril 24, 2023: 5th T20 at Pindi Stadium RawalpindiApril 27, 2023: 1st ODI at Pindi Stadium RawalpindiApril 29, 2023: 2nd ODI at Pindi Stadium RawalpindiMay 3, 2023:3rd ODI at National Stadium KarachiMay 5, 2023: 4th ODI at National Stadium KarachiMay 7, 2023: 5th ODI at National Stadium Karachi
New Zealand make 164 for 5 in 18.5 overs, as rain forces to end the game
Abdul Jabbar Faisal
RAWALPINDI: New Zealand were 164 for 5 in 18.5 overs, as the rain halted the match and ended without any result in the penultimate fixture of the 5-match T20 International Cricket Series on Thursday night. Pakistan made a single change in the playing elevens, as Zaman Khan replaced Naseem Shah.
Earlier, Pakistan captain Babar Azam won the toss and decided to field first, as the weather was forecasted rain. Visitor team captain Tom Latham and Cahd Bowes started the New Zealand innings, a skipper three boundaries to Shaheen Shah Afridi in the first over of the match, as he conceded 13 runs in his first over. Imad Wasim gave a breakthrough when Tom caught by Haris Rauf at deep-fine leg boundary, as the total score was 24 in 2.5 overs. Imad got another wicket in his next over of Willy Young, who was clean bold after hitting a four cover region. He added only 6 runs off 8 balls. New Zealand scored 50 for 2 runs in the 6 overs of power-play. Chad Bowes contributed 28 runs off 17 balls.
Visitor lost their 3rd batter on the total of 54 when Daryl Mitchell was stumped by wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwam on the bowling of Imad Wasim on his personal score of 3 off 6. Chad Bowes and Mark Champ put 54 runs off 43 balls for 4th wicket that strengthen the visitors’ position. Chad Bowed was caught and bowled by Faheem Ashraf. Bowed played an aggressive innings of 54 runs of 38 balls laced with 7 fours and one six.
Summarized Scorecard:
Venue: Pindi Cricket Stadium
Toss: Pakistan won and elected to bowl first
Man of the Match:
New Zealand (Batting):
Chad Bowed (54 runs, 38 balls, 4x7, 6x1), Mark Champ (71 runs, 42 balls, 4x10, 6x1), Tom Latham (13 runs, 08 balls, 4x3, 6x0),
Pakistan (Bowling)
Imad Wasim (3 for12), Haris Rauf (1 for 35), Faheem Ashraf (1 for 9)
Pakistan (Batting):
New Zealand (Bowling)
Pakistan (Playing XIs):
Babar Azam (Captain), Mohammad Rizwan (Wicketkeeper), Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Zaman Khan
New Zealand (Playing XIs):
Tom Latham (Captain & Wicketkeeper), Chad Bowes, Mark Chapman, Matt Henry, Adam Milne, Cole McConchie, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Henry Shipley, Ish Sodhi, Will Young
Live from Pindi Stadium: Pakistan win toss and ask kiwis to bat in Rawalpindi
Abdul Jabbar Faisal
RAWALPINDI: Pakistan captain Babar Azam won the toss and decided to filed first against New Zealand in the penultimate fixture of the 5-match T20 International Cricket Series on Thursday night.
Pakistan (Playing XIs):
Babar Azam (Captain), Mohammad Rizwan (Wicketkeeper), Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Zaman Khan
New Zealand (Playing XIs):
Tom Latham (Captain & Wicketkeeper), Chad Bowes, Mark Chapman, Matt Henry, Adam Milne, Cole McConchie, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Henry Shipley, Ish Sodhi, Will Young
Cricket News: New Zealand beat Pakistan by 4 runs in T20I
Iftikhar's explosive half-century in vain as New Zealand claim first win in series
Sports Bulletin Report
LAHORE: Tourist New Zealand cricket team defeated Pakistan by 4 runs in the 3rd T20 international on Monday night at Qaddafi Stadium Lahore, as the Iftikhar Ahmed’s blistering innings went in vain, who scored 60 runs.
It is pertinent to mention here that the previous two matches were won by the hosts at the same venue by 88 runs and 38 runs, respectively and Green Shirts have still upper hand in the series 2-1. Both sides will now travel to Rawalpindi to play the remaining two T20Is of the series scheduled on 20 and 24 April, respectively.
Chasing 164 to win, the home side didn’t have a good start as they lost seven wickets inside 15 overs with 88 runs on the board. Right-handed Iftikhar was joined by left-handed Faheem Ashraf and the pair went on to add 61 runs off just 26 balls.
With 72 runs required from the last five overs at the required run-rate of 14.40, Iftikhar and Faheem took the charge to the Kiwis’ bowlers and collected 16 runs from the 16th over. The 18th over of the innings – the most expensive over of the innings brought 23 runs for the side, where three sixes and a four was struck off Adam Milne’s over as the fast bowler ended-up with match figures of 4-0-37-2.
Only eight runs came off the 19th over of the innings in which the tourists got a prized scalp of Faheem, who got out for 27 off 14 balls, striking two sixes and as many fours.
With 15 runs required in the final over to win the match and two wickets in hand, Iftikhar struck Jimmy Neesham for a six on the first ball and then for a four on the third ball to bring down the equation to five off three balls, but Neesham kept his cool and took Iftikhar’s wicket on the fourth ball and then Haris Rauf off the last ball to give New Zealand a four-run win.
Iftikhar’s innings included six towering sixes and three fours, as he scored 60 off just 24 balls. For the winning team, Neesham took three wickets for 38 in four overs.
Earlier, after opting to bat first, Tom Latham played a captain’s innings as the left-handed opening batter top-scored for his side with a 49-ball 64, which included seven fours and two sixes. Daryl Michell was the other notable contributor with the bat, scoring 33 off 26 balls, hitting two fours and a six. For Pakistan, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf bagged two wickets apiece.
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