Speed Post News Network
Patna : Pakistan defeated New Zealand (NZ) by 5 wickets in a Group 2 match of ICC T20 World Cup at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Shahrjah, UAE, on October 26, 2021, late night, as Shoib Malik and Asif Ali added 48 runs in their unbroken partnership for the 6th wicket after their team was reduced to 87/5 in 14.5 overs.
Malik remained unbeaten on 26 in 20 balls with 2 fours and 1 six while Asif Ali remained 27 not out in 12 balls hitting 1 four and 3 sixes. Pakistan had won the toss and opted to bowl.Fast bowler Haris Rauf was named Player Of The Match. Pakistan had defeated India by 10 wickets in their first match.
Chasing a target of 135 runs, Pakistan scored 135/5 in 18.4 overs. Captain Babar Azam (opener fell to fast medium bowler Tm Southee for 9 while Fakhar Zaman fell to spinner Ish Sodhi for 11 making it 47/2. Mohd Hafeez fell to spinner Mitchell Santner for 11 making it 63/3. Opener Mohd Rizwan (wk) fell to Sodhi for 33 in 34 balls with 5 fours and it was 69/4. Imad Wasim fell to Trent Boult for 11 making it 87/5.
Earlier batting first, NZ had scored 134/8 in 20 overs as fast bowler Harid Rauf took 4/22 in 4 overs.For NZ, opener Daryl Mitchell and Devon Conway scored 27 runs each. Captain Kane Williamson was run out for 25.