Series alive as Pakistan humbles New Zealand in second t20
Fifties Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam as Pakistan stunned Kiwis by 48 runs to level the t20 series 1-1 at Auckland.
Pakistan came out of their shells as they banged New Zealand by a big margin of 48 runs in the second of three t-20 match and earned the first victory of the tour. Sarfraz, after winning the toss elected to bat first and Men in green did what they are famous for. Yet another surprise for Kiwis as batting first Pakistan set a total of 201 runs on the board in 20 overs for the loss of only 4 wickets.
Fakhar Zaman and Ahmed Shahzad open for Pakistan and both contributed 94 runs for the 1st wicket partnership. Pakistani openers did not score 20 runs for the first wicket stand in the previous 6 match (5 ODI and 1 t20) and this was the biggest opening partnership in the tour so far. Fakhar Zaman took charge and scored 50 runs in just 27 balls with 5 fours and three huge 6’s. Babar Azam scored unbeaten 50 runs with the help of 5 fours and 1 six in 29 balls. Ahmed Shahzad contributed 44 runs and skipper Sarfraz 41 runs.
In reply, Pakistan wrapped black caps innings on 153 runs in 18.3 overs. None of the Kewi batsman stand in front of furious swing and spin bowling of Pakistan and as they lost 6 wickets on just 64 runs in 8.2 overs but then bowling all-rounders Santner and Wheeler added 54 runs for the 7th wicket partnership and resisted for some time but Pakistani bowlers were in hurry as they bowled out Black caps on 153 runs to win the match by 48 runs.
Fakhar Zaman was named as man of the match for Pakistan. After this win the series is level at 1-1 and 3rd and decisive T20 will be played on Sunday 28th January at 11:00am (PST).
_mq.jpg)