All-rounder Mohammad Nawaz helped New Zealand to a five-wicket win with three balls to spare in the final of the tri-nation T20I series in Christchurch on Friday.
Pakistan going into the World Cup in Australia with an opener against arch-rivals India on October 23 was a good sign.
What a turnaround 👏
— Cricket Pakistan (@cricketpakcompk) October 14, 2022
Pakistan chase down 164 for the loss of five wickets to beat home side New Zealand in tri-series final#NZvPAK #NZTriseries pic.twitter.com/pUAy9ZKxRR
After the hosts finished 163-7 at Hagley Oval, spinner Michael Bracewell checked Pakistan’s early pace in their reply, before Nawaz stepped up with his decisive 38 off 22 balls.
After bailing Pakistan out of trouble in Thursday’s dead-rubber win over Bangladesh, Nawaz played another brilliant innings before Iftikhar Ahmed hit a six in the final over to seal victory.
The Black Caps got off to a good start with skipper Kane Williamson scoring 59 off 38 balls.
Host Finn Allen hit three fours and scored 12 runs off six balls before being caught out by Naseem Shah.
Williamson came to overcome nerves with his first half-century in any format in 2022 after struggling for form following an elbow injury.
In reply, Pakistan openers Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan bowled Tim Southee for nine in the opening over in his 100th T20I, then Trent Boult for 10 in the second.
Spinner Bracewell took the ball and got the wickets of Azam and Shaun Masood. Bracewell finished as Man of the Series.
Ash Sodhi then lbw the dangerous player Rizwan for 34 off 29 balls.
