Pakistan got off to a flying start in their T20I series against New Zealand with a commanding victory in Lahore on Friday. The home side’s win was powered by a superb bowling performance from Haris Rauf and an impressive batting display from Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub.
Despite the early loss of captain Babar Azam, who was playing his 100th T20I match and his 67th as captain, Pakistan were able to post a competitive total of 182 all out in 19.5 overs. Zaman and Ayub both scored 47 runs each, putting on a crucial 79-run partnership for the third wicket to anchor the innings.
Rauf was the standout performer with the ball, taking career-best figures of 4-18 to restrict New Zealand to a meagre total of 94 all out in just 15.3 overs. Left-arm spinner Imad Wasim also played a crucial role, taking 2 wickets for just 2 runs in his solitary over, with both wickets coming off successive deliveries.
Mark Chapman was the highest scorer for the Kiwis, making 34 runs off 27 balls with 4 boundaries and a six. Skipper Tom Latham contributed 20 runs off 24 balls, but it was not enough to prevent the visitors from suffering a heavy defeat.
Babar Azam Equals MS Dhoni’s Record as T20I Captain in Pakistan’s Victory
For skipper Babar Azam, the win was particularly special as he equalled former Indian captain MS Dhoni’s record of 41 victories as captain in T20I cricket. Babar is now joint second on the list of skippers with most wins in the shortest format of the sport, behind former England captain Eoin Morgan and ex-Afghanistan skipper Asghar Stanikzai.
With the next match in the series just around the corner, Pakistan will be looking to maintain their winning momentum and seal the series against a New Zealand side that will be eager to bounce back. However, with the likes of Rauf and Zaman in top form, the home side will be confident of taking a 2-0 lead in the series.
Also, see:
Is Ben Stokes set to replace MS Dhoni as captain of CSK?
