The Pakistan middle order fired in unison to beat New Zealand by five wickets in the final of the T20I tri-series on Friday.
Mohammad Nawaz struck an unbeaten 38 from 22 balls, while Haider Ali made 31 off 15 balls before Iftikhar Ahmed added the finishing touches with a 24 not off 15 as Pakistan overhauled New Zealand’s 163/7 with three balls to spare.
This was Nawaz’s second successive crucial knock in a Pakistan win after his 45 off 20 against Bangladesh.
New Zealand looked set for a much bigger total before losing their way. In reply, Pakistan too stuttered after a decent start. But Nawaz handled the pressure well to help his team emerge victorious. Nawaz and Iftikhar shared an unbroken fifth-wicket partnership of 36.
“I just backed myself... on the basis of what I’ve done in the nets,” Nawaz said. “I had belief in myself and I was backing myself to go in with a clear mind. We are looking forward to the World Cup now.”
Earlier, New Zealand captain Kane Williamson looked good during his 59 from 38 balls, an innings that will boost his confidence ahead of the World Cup.
Also, New Zealand played without some of their regular T20 players, including pacer Lockie Ferguson and all-rounders Mitchell Santner and Daryl Mitchell.
Fakhar in squad
Pakistan batsman Fakhar Zaman has been promoted to the team’s 15-player squad for the T20 World Cup while leg-spinner Usman Qadir has been moved to the travelling reserves due to an injury, the PCB said on Friday.
The PCB said that the change had to be made as Qadir is yet to recover from a hairline fracture on his right thumb that he sustained during their T20 match against England in Karachi last month. He will not be available for selection before October 22.
Brief scores: New Zealand 163/7 in 20 ovs (Kane Williamson 59; Haris Rauf 2/22, Naseem Shah 2/38). Pakistan 168/5 in 19.3 ovs (Mohammad Nawaz 38 n.o.). Pakistan won by 5 wickets.
Board ‘open’ to Pak tour
Calcutta: The BCCI has kept Team India’s option of touring Pakistan open for the Asia Cup next year.
In a note sent to all state associations ahead of its annual general meeting on Tuesday, it has listed the various events India will be participating in next year. It includes the Asia Cup in Pakistan, which is scheduled to be held in the ODI format ahead of the 50-over World Cup in India.
The other tournaments listed are the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa and ICC Women’s U-19 World Cup in South Africa.
The visit will be subject to clearance from the Centre.
