Match Center

Right then! That is it from this game and Pakistan have made it two wins in two games. However, the series continues and the next game is just around the corner. The hosts, New Zealand will be taking on Bangladesh on 9th October, Sunday at 11.30 am IST (6.00 am GMT). But join us in advance for the build-up. Till then, goodbye and cheers!

Kane Williamson the skipper of New Zealand says that it wasn't a polished performance from them it was a bit scrappy.  Adds that Pakistan were clinical and it was hard for them to get any sorry of rhythm. Mentions that they needed two big overs for a competitive total. On ending asked about his toss decision, he replies that they did not think it would be so wet and hence he elected to bat first. Adds that Mark Chapman played an outstanding innings. At the same time, Pakistan were outstanding. Further says that they were a bit sloppy in the field but they pride themselves in that area. Ends by saying that they are looking forward to the next game. It's a tough game but the players are feeling good.

Babar Azam the skipper of Pakistan is the Player of the Match. He says that they started well in the batting. Adds that he and Rizwan planned to utilize the Powerplay. Mentions that they sent Shadab Khan up the order to utilize his skills and take charge and that is what he did in this game. Tells that he and Shadab had a chat and the plan for him was to bat till the end and other batters take the risks. Says that the pitch was a little bit different from the first game mainly because of the dew factor and the ball was coming nicely onto the bat.  Adds that he is very happy and this will give the team more confidence. Credits their bowlers for their performance in the Powerplay and in the death as well. Mentions that he is very happy that they did not give away any extra runs and also praises the batters for their performance.

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Earlier in the game, New Zealand won the important toss and chose to bat. However, Kane Williamson's decision backfired as they managed to post only a par total of 147 on a batting-friendly wicket. The bowlers of  Pakistan were expectational and it was them that set the game up for the batters. In reply, Babar Azam's 79 off 53 balls made sure Pakistan gets on top. Back-to-back wins for the Men in Green!

Credit to the Kiwi bowlers though they did well to take the game till the penultimate over. However, the 18th over from Blair Tickner went for 21 runs and that just stole the game from New Zealand. Had they continued to be disciplined the game could have been tighter. Well, can't really blame the bowlers here as they had only a little to fight with.

The Kiwis got off to a positive start as they got rid of the in-form, Mohammad Rizwan and Shan Masood within the Powerplay and put Pakistan under some sort of pressure. However, they failed to capitalize on their momentum and let Pakistan get away with a partnership. Shadab Khan and Babar Azam then started scoring runs freely and took the game away from the hosts. They put on a stand of 61 runs before Shadab Khan perished after a solid knock of 34. Babar Azam stuck around till the end and took Pakistan over the finish line with ease.

The Men in Green have continued their good form from the previous game and have gotten over the line convincingly against the hosts. Two wins in two matches for Pakistan. Whereas the Kiwis have a lot to ponder about before their next game which is not too far away. New Zealand will be disappointed especially with their batting performance.

FOUR! Babar Azam finishes things off in style! Ish Sodhi tosses this up, full and around off, Babar Azam goes inside out and lofts it over extra cover for a boundary. PAKISTAN WIN BY 6 WICKETS.

Floated, full and on middle, Babar Azam blocks it out.

Ish Sodhi comes back to bowl the penultimate over of the match. He was gone for 27 runs in his 2 overs.

FOUR! SMASHED! Blair Tickner bowls this short of a length and on off, Haider Ali clears his front leg and smashes it towards the deep extra cover fence for a boundary. 21 runs from the over! Pakistan need just 3 runs to win now.

SIX! BANG! What a shot! Blair Tickner bowls this short and on middle, Haider Ali stays back and pulls it hard and over the deep square leg fence for a huge biggie.

Overthrows! This is on a length and on off, Babar Azam dabs it towards point, Haider Ali sets off for the run and Mark Chapman picks up and has a shy at the bowler's end but misses and there is no one backing up. A single is taken.

FOUR! Another one and all the pressure is released now. This is on a short and outside off, Babar Azam stays there and crunches it wide of mid off for four more runs.

FOUR! Great shot and just what Pakistan needed. Blair Tickner bowls this short of a length and on middle, Babar Azam makes room for him and pulls it past mid-wicket for a boundary.

This is on a hard length and on middle, Babar Azam works it off his back foot wide of deep square leg for a couple of runs.