Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Pakistan clinch final match to draw series

Azam and Afridi shine in last T20 against New Zealand

Pakistan clinch final match to draw series

SKIPPER Babar Azam hit a solid half century while spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi grabbed four wickets as Pakistan overcame New Zealand by nine runs in the fifth and final Twenty20I in Lahore last Saturday (27) .

Azam’s 44-ball 69 and Fakhar Zaman’s 33-ball 43 took Pakistan to 178-5 in their 20 overs before Shaheen claimed 4-30 to restrict New Zealand to 169 in 19.2 overs, squaring the series at 2-2. 


 But Pakistan’s win only came in the final over with 12 needed as Josh Clarkson 38 not out threatened to pull off a heist, but two run outs in Mohammad Amir’s over sealed the home win, much to the delight of a full house at Gaddafi Stadium.  

The first match of the series was abandoned, while Pakistan clinched the second and New Zealand the third by identical seven-wicket margins – all in Rawalpindi.  

New Zealand took the fourth match, also in Lahore, by four runs.  

The series gave both the teams a kickstart to their preparations for the Twenty20 World Cup to be held in the United States and the West Indies in June. While Pakistan would be disappointed not to have won a series against a depleted New Zealand side missing a host of players due to Indian Premier League, unavailability and injuries, the visitors got a boost from their bench strength.  

Shaheen gave Pakistan an ideal start by dismissing Tom Blundell for four in his first over – his 15th wicket in his opening over of a Twenty20 international – and 50th in all T20 matches.  

Tim Seifert put New Zealand back on track with an aggressive 33-ball 52 – his ninth T20I half century containing seven boundaries and two sixes. 

 He added 76 for the second wicket with skipper Micheal Bracewell (23) but from 81-1 New Zealand lost four wickets in the space of 25 balls for the addition of just 22 runs. 

 Leg-spinner Usama Mir (2-21) had Seifert and Mark Chapman (12) while fellow spinner Shadab Khan accounted for Bracewell as New Zealand’s chase was derailed.  

Shaheen returned for a second spell to dismiss James Neesham (16), Zak Foulkes (nought) and Ish Sodhi (three) in successive overs. 

 Azam said he used different combinations to test the squad strength ahead of the World Cup.  

“Look, throughout the series we tried different combinations and we wanted to see where our bench strength stands,” said Azam. 

 “There are many good signs but we won’t be complacent and will focus on improvement which is crucial in international cricket.” 

 Bracewell was delighted that his team came out all-square. 

 “Pretty fair reflection of the series, pretty happy with coming over here and learning how to play in these conditions,” said Bracewell who captained New Zealand for the first time. “Credit to Pakistan, they played really well today.”  

Earlier, Azam saw his opening partner Saim Ayub fall in the second over for just one, but that did not deter him as he added 73 for the second wicket with Usman Khan who made a brisk 24-ball 31. Azam hit six boundaries and two sixes in his 34th T20I half-century before he was bowled by pacer Ben Sears in the 15th over. 

 Meanwhie, Zaman hit four boundaries and a six before he was smartly caught by Chapman on the boundary off Foulkes as Pakistan managed 55 in the last five overs. 

 Shadab Khan hit a six and a four in his five-ball 15 not out.  

New Zealand made three changes as they brought back Seifert, Cole McConchie and Foulkes while pace spearhead Shaheen returned for the home team. 

More For You

Syed Abid Ali

Abid Ali made his Test debut in December 1967 against Australia in Adelaide, taking 6/55 in the first innings—his best bowling figures in Test cricket. (Photo: BCCI)

Former India allrounder Syed Abid Ali passes away at 83

FORMER India allrounder Syed Abid Ali died on Wednesday after a prolonged illness. He was 83.

Abid Ali, who was known for his all-round abilities and sharp fielding, passed away in the United States. He was part of a distinguished group of Hyderabad cricketers that included MAK Pataudi, ML Jaisimha, and Abbas Ali Baig.

Keep ReadingShow less
Ben Stokes considered to lead England’s white-ball teams after Buttler’s exit

Ben Stokes

Ben Stokes considered to lead England’s white-ball teams after Buttler’s exit

Eastern Eye

ENGLAND cricket chiefs are considering Test captain Ben Stokes as a potential leader for the struggling white-ball teams following Jos Buttler’s resignation.

Rob Key, the England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) managing director for men’s cricket, confirmed last week that “nothing’s off the table” when it comes to finding Buttler’s replacement for both the 50-over and Twenty20 sides.

Keep ReadingShow less
All England Open: Satwik-Chirag duo storm into second round

FILE PHOTO: Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy (Photo by Morgan Harlow/Getty Images)

All England Open: Satwik-Chirag duo storm into second round

INDIA's Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty advanced to the second round of the men’s doubles competition at the All England Open with a straight-game victory over Denmark’s Daniel Lundgaard and Mads Vestergaard on Wednesday (12).

Returning to the court after his father’s loss last month, Satwik, along with his doubles partner Chirag, put on an impressive display, securing a 21-17, 21-15 win in just 40 minutes.

Keep ReadingShow less
London Marathon 2025

Historic race set to feature the biggest field ever

iStock

London Marathon 2025 set to welcome record-breaking number of runners

The 2025 London Marathon is set to break records as the world’s largest marathon, with over 56,000 runners expected to cross the finish line on Sunday, 27 April. This would surpass the current record held by the New York Marathon, which saw 55,646 participants complete the race in November.

This year's event has already seen record-breaking interest, with more than 840,000 people applying for the ballot, far exceeding the previous record of 578,304 set in 2024. Of the UK applicants, 49% were female, and applications from those aged 20-29 saw a notable 105% rise, reflecting growing participation across younger demographics.

Keep ReadingShow less
Harry Brook

Brook was vice-captain of the England squad which suffered an early exit from the Champions Trophy after losing all three group games. (Photo: Getty Images)

Brook faces IPL ban after Delhi Capitals no show

ENGLAND batsman Harry Brook pulled out of the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the second successive year, a decision that could trigger a ban from future editions.

Brook was signed by Delhi Capitals in December 2023, but pulled out of last year's campaign following the death of his grandmother.

Keep ReadingShow less