PAK VS NZ: Reality Check

Pakistan bagged their second win on the trot by defeating New Zealand by 5 wickets in Sharjah. In chase of 135, Pakistan got to 30/1 by the end of the Powerplay. Tim Southee bagged his 100th T20I scalp as he removed skipper Babar Azam on 9. Then, Ish Sodhi, after being hit for a huge six, got his revenge as he trapped Fakhar Zaman LBW plumb in front. Pakistan got to 58/1 after 10 overs. The Men in Green lost three more wicket in the next four overs to stutter to 91/5.

The highlight of the phase of Devon Conway’s freakish, outrageous boundary-line catch to help Mitchell Santner dismiss Mohammad Hafeez. Eventually, the duo of Asif Ali (27* off 12) and Shoaib Malik (26* off 20) put up a winning 48-run stand to take their side home with 5 wickets and 8 balls to spare. PAK VS NZ: It was a hard game for all the Pakistan fans.

Earlier in the first innings, New Zealand started steady as they reached 42/1 by the end of the Powerplay. Martin Guptill, 17 off 20, was cleaned up Haris Rauf in the 6th over. In the next four overs Imad Wasim removed a dangerous-looking Daryl Mitchell and Mohammad Hafeez sent Jimmy Neesham packing on 1 as the Black Caps reached 60/3 after 10 overs. Skipper Kane Williamson stitched a few boundaries and just as a stand with Devon Conway started to build, Hasan Ali caught Kane short of his crease with a direct throw.

NZ reached 100/4 after 15 overs. Eventually, Haris Rauf removed Conway, Phillips in the same over and finished with a four-wicket haul. NZ posted 134/8 in 20 overs. Pakistan are one-step closer on reaching the Semi-finals of T20 World Cup 2021. PAK VS NZ matches are always close and thrilling. Indian fans were happy after the PAK vs NZ game, as Pakistan won the game and now India have possible chances of entering the Semis by beating New Zealand.

Pakistan fans were unhappy with New Zealand because they had cancel the tour citing security reasons. PAK fans made the fun of the New Zealand team by teasing them and saying “Security Check”. Pakistan did not won this match comprehensively as they had made some mistakes in this match. The decision to abandon the tour came as a massive blow to Pakistan, who have been trying to revive international tours in the country. New Zealand’s decision to cancel the series came just minutes after the first match was due to start. PAK VS NZ games are thrilling !!!

Afridi, who rattled the Indian top-order in Pakistan’s win over India, got the swing in the opening over which was a maiden one. But Mitchell hit a four off his second over which yielded eight runs.
Mitchell then hoisted Hasan Ali for a six as New Zealand looked to take the initiative. PAK VS NZ match was the turning point for India in the T20 World Cup. Conway had taken a stunning catch against Pakistan and helped the team to dismiss Hafeez.

Feels great to win and we’ll look to carry forward the confidence. The spinners started off brilliantly, and Haris and Shaheen carried it through. I would like to compliment our fielding, that has carried us through here. I thought we gave 10 runs too many. But this is cricket and it happens. Malik showed experience and Asif batted brilliantly in the PAK VS NZ MATCH. It is very disappointing. We were optimistic at the halfway stage. It was going to be really tough, we were a boundary or two at being above par. There were small margins, but we couldn’t nail it at the back end. Credit to Pakistan, they are a strong side and were very smart.

I thought our bowlers were outstanding for 80% of the game. Quite tough to swallow. We were going into the second half, but this is a very good Pakistani side and are a team to watch. It is a game of small margins, we go to a different venue against India. We will have conversations and play accordingly. There were a few good decisions, but there are very small margins in these low-scoring PAK VS NZ game. I am happy with the performance, thanks to the team, the fielding unit, the support staff and the fans for all the support they’ve given us.