Babar Azam’s half-century propelled Pakistan to their second win in the ongoing T20I tri-series on Saturday, edging past New Zealand by six wickets in Christchurch. After getting the better of Bangladesh in the opening game, the Men in Green showed their dominance over the hosts as well.

Batting first, the Black Caps could hardly step on the gas, mostly because of a brilliant fast bowling by Haris Rauf, who conceded 28 runs and scalped the big wickets of Mark Chapman, James Neesham and Michael Bracewell.

Devon Conway, Kane Williamson and Chapman scored 36, 31 and 32 respectively. Their 30+ scores took New Zealand total to 147-8.

Azam – who went on to stay unbeaten on 79 off 53 with 11 fours – after the match said that his rapid 61-run stand with Shadab Khan for the third wicket gave an insight to a tactic they could employ at the upcoming T20 World Cup, with the all-rounder promoted up the order.

“We have a plan to send Shadab up to charge the bowlers, to utilise his skills. He played very well.

“Me and Shadab planned that I play all the way and he will go for his shots,” said the Pakistan skipper.

In the T20I Tri-series, New Zealand will next play Bangladesh on Sunday (October 9) before meeting Pakistan again on Tuesday (October 11).

Here is how Twitter reacted:


#Twitter #reactions #Babar #Azam #Haris #Rauf #shine #Pakistans #clinical #win #Zealand


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