5th T20I, Rawalpindi, April 24, 2023, 09:30 PM
193/5(20.0ov)
194/4(19.2ov)
New Zealand beat Pakistan by 6 wickets
Right then, that's it from the coverage of this game. Both the skipper's now are called up, and they pose together with the trophy as the T20I series ends in a 2-2 draw. Soon, all the players of the both the side join as well, and put in a smile for the cameras. The next assignment for these two sides is a 5-match ODI series. New format, but there will be no compromise in the quality of cricket. The first ODI will be played on 27th April. The first ball will be at 4 pm IST (10.30 am GMT), but you can join us early for the build-up. Until then, take care and goodbye!
Tom Latham, the skipper of New Zealand says that he is happy with the win and really happy with how Chapman played. Adds that it was a crucial partnership, and Neesham supported him really well. He says that it was a great chase and they adapted to the conditions really well. He ends by saying that it feels good to level the series from 2-0 down and they will look forward to the ODI series as well.
Babar Azam, the captain of Pakistan says that the way they started it looked like 200 was possible and feels that they were 10-15 runs short. Tells that the way Ifti has improved his batting, also credits Imad as well who chipped in with the bat. Mentions both these players have been working on themselves, and have performed well in the PSL as well. Praises Chapman for his outstanding knock. Adds that if someone plays an innings like that, no one can do much to stop it. Informs that ODI is a different type of cricket, but as professional he feels that the boys are ready and they will try to win the series.
Mark Chapman wins the Player of the Match award for his match-winning knock. He is also adjudged as the PLAYER OF THE SERIES for his consistency with the blade throughout the series. He says that it was very special for him and all played really well. He adds that it was a bit difficult to adjust to these kinds of pitches, but it ended well for them. Says that he is thankful to Neesham for supporting him with the bat and ends by saying that he is really happy to win the game.
Stay tuned for the presentation...
Earlier in the game, after being put to bat, Pakistan got off to a flier, tahnks to their opening stand. It was a batters deck and they made the most of it. Although, once the opening stand was broken, it kind of opened the floodgates for the hosts. If not for Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan couldn't have reached anywhere near the 190-run mark. For Kiwis, Blair Tickner stood out with the ball earlier for his three-wicket haul.
Daryl Mitchell and Mark Chapman then tried to get their inning back on track with their 47-run stand, but Mitchell slipped out at a very crucial stage to make it 73-4. Then it was just the begininng of the downfall of this Pakistan bowling performance, as the hosts lost all confidence, while they were being taken apart by the hard-hitters of the Kiwis. Mark Chapman was literally toying with the bowlers and scored a match-winning knock of 104* runs to get his side over the line. Although, this wouldn't have been possible without James Neesham, who supported well with his brisk 25-ball 45. These two stitched a stand of 121 runs to steer the team home. Pakistan will be gutted with their effort with the ball. In the end, it was just a bad day at the office for them, as they could not seal the series.
New Zealand had no right to win this game, with the way their chase started, but Mark Chapman, who has been consistent for them throughout this series, put his hand up once again and the rest as they say is history. New Zealand were put on the back foot straighaway. It was Shaheen Afridi who caused all the issues for the visitors with the new ball, when he took two wickets in the very first over of the chase. Imad Wasim then continued to strangle the batters and chipped in with an early wicket of Chad Bowes. New Zealand had lost three wickets inside just 4 overs.
OH MY GOD! A humdinger of a cricket match. The pendulum swung relentlessly both ways, but once Neesham and Chapman joined forces, there was no stopping the Kiwis. The visitors managed to chase down 194 with 4 balls to spare, this is also the second highest chase by any side against Pakistan in T20Is. On top of all that, New Zealand level the series as well!
In over# 20
2
1
Faheem Ashraf 17/0(1.2)
19.2
2
NEW ZEALAND HAVE DONE IT! On a length and on off, Mark Chapman flicks it to mid-wicket for a quick couple of runs. Incredible chase from New Zealand as they beat Pakistan by 6 wickets!
19.1
1
On a length and on off, James Neesham looks to play at it but gets an inside edge towards the on side. They cross.
In over# 19
1
1
1
1
1
4
Haris Rauf 39/0(4)
18.6
1
On a length and on off, James Neesham chips it towards mid-wicket for one more. Just 3 needed off the final over now!
18.5
1
Short and on off, Mark Chapman gently pulls it to mid-wicket for one again.
18.4
1
Full again, on off, James Neesham drills it to mid off for one more.
18.3
1
Goes full and on off, Mark Chapman taps it to mid on for one. Just 6 needed now!
18.2
1
A wide yorker, James Neesham digs it towards point for one.
18.1
4
FOUR! Back of a length and on off, James Neesham hangs back and pulls it through square leg for a boundary. New Zealand are just a couple of hits away from the win now!
