3rd T20I
Mark Chapman’s blistering unbeaten 87 helps New Zealand team to level the series.
Pakistan scored 178/4 in 20 overs, where as New Zealand scored 179/3 in 18.2 overs.
So, finally New Zealand beat Pakistan by 7 wickets.
Mark Chapman spearheaded the chase with a fierce unbeaten 87 off 42 balls as New Zealand clinched a seven-wicket victory over Pakistan in the third T20I at Rawalpindi, leveling the five-match series 1-1.
Pakistan chose to bat first, posting a competitive 178/4 in their allotted 20 overs, propelled by contributions from their top-order and a quickfire cameo of 41 off 20 balls from Shadab Khan towards the end.
Pakistan’s innings saw a brisk partnership between Babar Azam (37 off 29) and Saim Ayub (32 off 22) before Ish Sodhi struck to break the stand at 55.
Azam continued alongside Rizwan, who retired hurt on 22.
New Zealand managed to regain control with two quick wickets, dismissing Azam and wicketkeeper-batsman Usman Khan within 17 balls.
However, Irfan Khan combined forces with Shadab to revive Pakistan’s innings, stitching a vital 62-run partnership for the fourth wicket that propelled them past the 150-run mark.
Shadab played the aggressor, smashing two sixes and four boundaries in his brisk 41 off 20 balls, while Irfan contributed an unbeaten 30 off a similar number of deliveries.
In pursuit of Pakistan’s 178/4, New Zealand’s openers provided a solid start before departing in quick succession in the final overs of the powerplay.
Chapman then took charge, orchestrating a commanding 117-run partnership with Dean Foxcroft, who played a supporting role.
Chapman’s aggressive batting saw him strike four sixes and nine boundaries in his blistering 42-ball innings.
He notched up a rapid half-century off just 29 balls and sealed the victory for his team with a boundary in the second ball of the penultimate over.
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