Iftikhar Ahmed hits six game winners as Pakistan beat New Zealand in the third and final T20I with two balls to release; Mohammad Rizwan scores with 89 as tourists avoid series sweeps; sides will now meet in two test matches, starting on Boxing Day
Last updated: 22/12/20 11:52 am
Mohammad Rizwan 10 scored four scores and three sixes in his 89 from 59 deliveries
Mohammad Rizwan scored 89 from 59 balls when Pakistan defeated New Zealand by four wickets in an exciting T20 international third in Napier to avoid a series sweep.
Rizwan – who will captain Pakistan in the first Test between the sides with Babar Azam (thumb) out injured – hit 10 four and three six when the tourists reached their target of 174 with two balls to be released.
The wicketkeeper, who got 70 of his runs on the leg side, was sacked by Kyle Jamieson from the second member of the final over with Pakistan still needing three runs.
But after the next delivery dot ball, Iftikhar Ahmed Jamieson launched for the six game winners as New Zealand had to settle for a 2-1 series win.
Shadab Khan (left) and Iftikhar Ahmed (right) celebrate Pakistan’s comfort win in the last T20I
Mohammad Hafeez – who had hit 99 hits in vain in Sunday’s second game in Hamilton – scored 41 from 29 balls on Tuesday, putting forward 72 by Rizwan for the second wicket at McLean Park.
Pakistan slipped from 141-2 to 163-5 to the death knell with Scott Kuggeleijn (2-40) and Tom Southee (2-25) taking wikis and leaving Rizwan’s late hope gave New Zealand new hope.
However, Ifthikhar ended that and gave Pakistan a boost as they entered the two-match Test series, which takes place at Mount Maunganui on Boxing Day before the second game in Christchurch. from 3 January.
The second T20 fifty in six games at Devon Conway came in vain for New Zealand in Napier
Faheem Ashraf lifted 3-20 at the New Zealand engines, in which the hosts raced to 40-0, slipped to 58-3 and 109-5 and then scored 173-7 as built by Devon Conway (63 of 45).
Conway, who was born in South Africa – playing in his sixth international match – helped New Zealand scavenge 64 runs in their last 5.5 innings but their total was not enough at finally.
Santner in the New Zealand Test squad
New Zealand have retained Mitchell Santner in their Test squad to face Pakistan despite sprinter Ajaz Patel returning to fitness after a calf strain.
Mitchell Santner is the spinner in the New Zealand squad for the Test series against Pakistan
Black Caps coach Gary Stead said: “It basically came down to the balance of the side and with the four-strong distance attack going so nicely, we wanted all-round spinning to be an option for the number seven position. sin.
“It ‘s very unfortunate for Ajaz but Mitchell’ s overall ability is our preferred option for this series. The fact that Ajaz could not have any game time in the lead was also a cause for concern. to the electorate. “
New Zealand thrashed West Indies 2-0 in the Test series earlier this month.
New Zealand are third in the World Test, behind Australia and India, and a 2-0 series sweep over Pakistan would give them a boost in qualifying for the next Lord-scheduled final. year.
New Zealand test squad for Pakistan series: Kane Williamson (captain), Tom Blundell, Trent Boult, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling, Will Young