Pakistan beat New Zealand by 5 wickets

Haris Rauf’s four-wicket haul and a sensational cameo from Asif Ali helped Pakistan beat New Zealand by 5 wickets in T20 World Cup 2021. 

Pakistan registered their second consecutive win in the ICC T20 World Cup, beating New Zealand by five wickets in their Super 12 match here on Tuesday. Sent into bat, New Zealand was restricted to 134 for eight. Pakistan completed the task with eight balls to spare and, in a way, exacted revenge for what they considered an off-field snub by the Kiwis in the run-up to the T20 showpiece. New Zealand had pulled out of a tour of Pakistan last month citing security concerns, leaving the host nation disappointed and angry.

Asif Ali (27* off 12 balls) and Shoaib Malik (26* off 20) made Pakistan victory possible as both played very sensible shorts. After the won Pakistan now secure the top position in the pool with 4 points.

Feels great to win and we’ll look to carry forward the confidence. The spinners started off brilliantly, and Haris and Shaheen carried it through. I would like to compliment the fielding that has carried us through here. I thought we gave 10 runs too many. But this cricket and it happens. While batting, there were wickets early on and we needed a partnership. Malik showed experience and Asif Ali contributed too. Every match is crucial. There is no easy match. We’ll look to play it day by day and game by game. ( Babar Azam)

It is very disappointing. We were optimistic at the halfway stage. It was going to be really tough, we were a boundary or two at being above par. There were small margins, but we couldn’t nail it at the back end. Credit to Pakistan, they are a strong side and were very smart. I thought our bowlers were outstanding for 80% of the game. Quite tough to swallow. We were going into the second half, but this is a very good Pakistani side and is a team to watch. It is a game of small margins, we go to a different venue against India. We will have conversations and play accordingly. There were a few good decisions, but there are very small margins in these low-scoring games. (Kane Williamson)

I am happy with the performance, thanks to the team, the fielding unit, the support staff and the fans for all the support they’ve given us. There’s competition in the bowling unit, we talk with each other, assess the conditions and we do get confidence from each other. The wicket of Guptill in the powerplay was the best amongst the four wickets. Thankful to everyone, keep supporting us right through. (Haris Rauf)