Despite not having some of their main players, New Zealand romped to a 6-wicket victory against Pakistan in the 5th T20I of the 5-match T20I series between the two sides. The Kiwis were trailing 0-2 in the series and then staged a supreme-level comeback in this T20I series to share the spoils with the hosts.
Mark Chapman was the cynosure of all eyes as he scored a scintillating century in this game. Batting first, Pakistan managed to put on a humongous total of 193 runs. Opener Mohammad Rizwan led the charge and scored an unbeaten knock of 98* runs in 62 balls. His knock was laced with 7 fours and 4 sixes.
Blair Tickner was the pick of the bowlers for the visitors
29-year-old pacer Blair Tickner bagged 3 wickets and was the lone sensation in the bowling department of New Zealand in terms of wickets. He was instrumental with the ball and conceded only 33 runs in his quota of 4 overs.
The only other wicket-taker in the game was spinner Ish Sodi. He was extremely economical with the ball and had an excellent economy of 5.25.
New Zealand lost some early wickets in the powerplay
The Kiwis were 3 down in the powerplay and looked in tatters. But Mark Chapman decided to take things into his own hands and scripted an unbelievable victory for the visitors. This is indeed a special victory for New Zealand as they were completely down and out in this game.
He smashed 11 fours and 4 sixes and had a staggering strike-rate of 182.46. James Neesham too played a handy cameo and scored 45* runs in just 25 balls. His innings was packed with 4 fours and 2 sixes and guided New Zealand to a victory.
Pakistani bowlers couldn’t stop the incoming assault from the New Zealand batters
Even though Shaheen Afridi and Imad Wasim had 2 scalps each, New Zealand raced to a victory in this game. Spinner Wasim was very economical and conceded only 21 runs in 4 overs.
Shadab Khan was belted across the park and he conceded 29 runs in his 2 overs and had a forgettable outing with the ball.
The ODI series between the two sides will begin from 27th April
Pakistan and New Zealand will be locking horns with each other for 5 ODIs. The first of the lot will be taking place on 27th April 2023 and the 2nd ODI will be played on 29th April 2023.
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