Web Desk
On Monday night, New Zealand managed to secure a thrilling five-run victory over Pakistan in the third T20 International at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. The win was crucial for New Zealand to keep the series alive. Although Pakistan’s Iftikhar Ahmed appeared to have snatched the game away with a stunning late blitz, New Zealand managed to keep their heads above water and secured the win by the barest of margins.
New Zealand’s skipper Tom Latham played a pivotal role in the victory, scoring 64 off 49 balls to help the tourists post a total of 163-5 after electing to bat. As they returned to defend their total, New Zealand got the prized wicket of Pakistan’s batting mainstay Babar Azam early on and then ran out Mohammad Rizwan.
New Zealand secured a thrilling five-run victory in the third T20 International against Pakistan at the Gaddafi Stadium, keeping the series alive. Captain Tom Latham’s 64 off 49 balls helped the tourists post 163-5 after choosing to bat.
As they defended their total, New Zealand got the prized wicket of Pakistan’s batting mainstay Babar Azam early on and then ran out Mohammad Rizwan, leaving Pakistan’s top order to wilt. Despite winning the first two games of the five-game series batting first, Pakistan seemed unable to handle the chase.
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New Zealand kept picking wickets at regular intervals, reducing Pakistan to 88-7 before Iftikhar Ahmed’s remarkable 60 off 24 balls. He and Faheem Ashraf (27) forged a 61-run partnership, forcing a grandstand finish.
However, Pakistan ultimately fell short when Iftikhar was caught on the fourth ball of the final over, and they were dismissed for 159, with James Neesham (3-38) claiming the last two wickets to fall.
