New Zealand have already clinched the five-match T20I series 4-0. But a win in the final game could augur well for Pakistan in the run-up to the ICC T20 World Cup in June 2024
After four games of absolute dominance by New Zealand, Pakistan are finally starting to get things right in the fifth and final T20I at Christchurch. Though the series is already lost for the Men In Green and they are only playing for proverbial pride, a good showing leading to a win will augur well for them in the run-up to the ICC T20 World Cup in June 2024. (More Cricket News)
In pursuit of Pakistan's seemingly below-par target of 135, the Kiwis were tottering at 69/6 in 13.4 overs at the time of writing this report. They had just lost their captain Mitchell Santner to an outstanding caught-and-bowled effort by Usama Mir, and looked unlikely to get the remaining 66 runs at an asking rate of 10.42, with just four wickets in hand.
While Pakistan's bowlers have bowled with discipline to keep a tight leash on the BlackCaps batters, it was a moment of brilliance in the field that really swung the momentum the visitors' way.
In the first ball of the 11th over, Mark Chapman -- who was facing Iftikhar Ahmed -- steered the ball down to Zaman Khan at short third. Chapman and his partner Tim Seifert set off for a quick run but not before a mix-up.
Chapman was struggling at the non-striker's end, and Zaman sent in a rocket throw to Iftikhar there. The off-spinner collected it cleanly behind the wickets and dislodged the bails without any fuss. You can watch the video of the run out below.
Chapman was found well short of his ground and the smart bit of fielding put Pakistan ahead in the match. The runout followed a torrid day in the field for Chapman, who dropped Babar Azam twice before the Pakistani batting lynchpin was finally caught by Glenn Phillips off Ish Sodhi.