By Zainab Shafiq 
Pakistan captain Babar Azam has revealed why he sent Iftikhar Ahmed to bat at number 8 in the third T20I against New Zealand on Monday. Despite losing the match by four runs, Azam praised Iftikhar’s versatility as a batsman and his ability to bat at any number in the order. He stated that the team had kept their batting order flexible and that Iftikhar’s performance had been outstanding.
Iftikhar’s whirlwind 24-ball 60 brought Pakistan back into the contest as they attempted to chase down New Zealand’s 163-5. He smashed six sixes and three fours, leading the fightback with Faheem Ashraf as the pair added 61 for the eighth wicket. Ashraf scored a quickfire 27 off 14 balls, studded with two sixes and as many fours.
Needing 15 runs to win from Neesham’s final over, Iftikhar hit a six and a four to reduce the target to five off the last three deliveries. However, Neesham had Ahmed caught at long-on by Daryl Mitchell and then dismissed last man Haris Rauf in the same manner after a dot ball.
Despite the loss, Pakistan still lead the five-match series 2-1 after winning the first two games by 88 and 38 runs, also in Lahore. The last two matches will be held in Rawalpindi on April 20 and 24.
Also, see:
Pak vs NZ 1st T20I: What record of MS Dhoni did Babar Azam equal?