RAWALPINDI , April 25, 2023: New Zealand beats Pakistan with six wickets in last over in a nail biting last T-20 match of the series. The series spanning over five matches have ended inconclusive with 2-2 wins, previously, the fourth match ended indecisive due to hailstorm.
Earlier in evening, New Zealand decided to field first against Pakistan in the fifth T20I at the Pindi Cricket Stadium on Monday.
Both New Zealand and Pakistan made two changes. James Nesham replaced Cole McConchie and Henry Shipley replaced Matt Henry.
Pakistan has included Ihsanullah and Muhammad Haris in the playing XI in place of Fakhar Zaman and Zaman Khan.
New Zealand chased 194 as Mark Chapman led the Kiwi ship towards victory after three early wickets. He brought up his century of the series and became the Man of the Match.
Chapman was also supported by Jimmy Neesham scoring 45 runs on 25 deliveries.
In the first innings, the Kiwis struck back after a 51-run opening stand between Babar Azam & Muhammad Rizwan with three quick wickets.
Muhammad Rizwan’s unconquered 62-ball 98 powered Pakistan to imposing193-5 against New Zealand in the fifth T20I but Rizwan could not play his century stroke.
Saim Ayub and Muhammad Haris returned to pavilion without getting any score. However, Iftikhar and Imad played a knock of 36 and 31 runs respectively.
Rizwan and Iftikhar Ahmed added 71 runs off 46 balls to steady the ship, but, the addition was un-able to secure victory for the national team.
Meanwhile in the second innings, Shaheen Afridi rattled Kiwis with a twin strike in his first over by removing Kiwi skipper Tom Latham for a golden duck on the first ball and also got Will Young. But, later lost the momentum in 194 chase.
New Zealand achieved the required in the last over with a loss of four wickets.