Pakistan defeated New Zealand and level the T20 series

2024.04.28

Shaheen Afridi was named Player of the Match for his tremendous bowling performance.

In a thrilling fifth and final Twenty20 International at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on April 27, 2024, Pakistan defeated New Zealand by a score of just nine runs to tie the series 2-2.

After winning the toss, Michael Bracewell, the captain of New Zealand, decided to bowl first. With a cool-headed 69 runs, captain Babar Azam led Pakistan’s scoring with a competitive 178 runs on the board. The middle order made significant contributions, with 43-scorer Fakhar Zaman leading the way.

In response, Tim Seifert scored a quick fifty-two to give New Zealand the early advantage (52). Pakistan’s bowling arsenal, which used eight different bowlers during the game, managed to wriggle back into the game, though. With four wickets taken for just thirty runs, Shaheen Afridi was the most effective bowler.

Josh Clarkson made a late comeback with 38 runs off 26 balls, but New Zealand was bowled for 169 runs, well short of the mark. In the last over, Mohammad Amir remained composed and got rid of Ben Sears for a run-out, giving Pakistan a thrilling victory.

Afridi’s sensational bowling performance earned him the Player of the Match award, while his consistent bowling throughout the series saw him bag the Player of the Series honour as well.

@charith