New Zealand managed to keep their series hopes alive in a tightly contested match against Pakistan on Monday night. Despite a late surge from Pakistan’s Iftikhar Ahmed, New Zealand held their nerve to secure a thrilling five-run victory in the third T20 International at the Gaddafi Stadium.
Opting to bat first, New Zealand posted a competitive total of 163-5, thanks to skipper Tom Latham’s impressive knock of 64 off 49 balls. When it was time to defend their total, New Zealand struck early, dismissing Pakistan’s Babar Azam and running out Mohammad Rizwan.
With their star batsmen out of the game, Pakistan’s top-order struggled to cope with New Zealand’s bowling attack. Having won the first two games of the five-game series by batting first, it seemed like Pakistan was not prepared for a chase.
New Zealand kept chipping away at the wickets, reducing Pakistan to 88-7. However, Iftikhar and Faheem Ashraf had other ideas. Iftikhar smashed 60 off just 24 balls, and together with Faheem, added a quick-fire 61 runs partnership to set up a grandstand finish.
Faheem fell in the penultimate over after hitting two sixes and as many fours. However, Iftikhar was still at the crease, and Pakistan looked poised for a comeback. But, with four balls left in the final over, Iftikhar was caught, having scored six sixes and three fours. Pakistan fell short of their target, getting dismissed for 159. James Neesham was the pick of the bowlers for New Zealand, taking 3-38 and claiming the last two wickets to fall.
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