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Pakistan edged out New Zealand by a narrow margin of 9 runs in a tense fifth and final T20I at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, on April 27th, 2024, to level the series 2-2.
Babar Azam shines with the bat
New Zealand captain Michael Bracewell opted to bowl first after winning the toss. Pakistan posted a competitive total of 178 runs on the board, with skipper Babar Azam leading the way with a well-composed 69 runs. The middle order chipped in with valuable contributions, especially from Fakhar Zaman, who scored 43.
Shaheen Afridi outclass New Zealand with brilliant bowling
In reply, New Zealand got off to a flying start with Tim Seifert scoring a brisk half-century (52). However, Pakistan’s bowling attack, featuring eight different bowlers in the match, clawed their way back into the contest. Shaheen Afridi was the pick of the bowlers, scalping four wickets for just 30 runs.
Despite a late fightback from Josh Clarkson (38 runs off 26 balls), New Zealand fell short of the target, eventually dismissed for 169 runs. Mohammad Amir held his nerve in the final over, dismissing Ben Sears for a run-out to seal a dramatic victory for Pakistan.
Afridi bags top honours
Afridi’s sensational bowling performance earned him the Player of the Match award, while his consistent bowling throughout the series saw him bag the Player of the Series honour as well.
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Here is how Twitter reacted:
Honours even in Lahore 🏆 #PAKvNZ pic.twitter.com/ruiBWF4gVi
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) April 27, 2024
The Bank Alfalah Presents Jazz Pakistan vs New Zealand T20I Series 2024 trophy is shared 🇵🇰🏆🇳🇿#PAKvNZ | #AaTenuMatchDikhawan pic.twitter.com/P8LBuhcQT2
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) April 27, 2024
Thank you @iShaheenAfridi for such a lovely gesture today during the match!
You were amazing today. Keep going … pic.twitter.com/iSZzjQjftR— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) April 27, 2024
Great finished a series with a win, proud to be part of this team and sharing smiles. 🇵🇰❤️🇳🇿 #PAKvsNZ #PAKvNZ pic.twitter.com/XhHoqG6pDQ
— Usman Khan (@IUsmanKhan13) April 27, 2024
That’s why he’s the 🦅#PAKvNZ #ShaheenAfridi pic.twitter.com/c90E2tDS7a
— Abdul Haseeb babar 🇵🇸 (@haseebbabar87) April 28, 2024
https://twitter.com/MidWicket71/status/1784260179480969220
Same same, but different.
Shoaib Akhtar 🤝 Shaheen Afridi #PAKvNZ pic.twitter.com/TJd9P9tqEV— Sheraxii Tweets (@i_mAfridi7) April 27, 2024
Pakistan has beaten New Zealand in the last T20 match and levelled the series with 2-2.
Shaheen Shah Afridi was the star of the night who got 4 for 30.
It’s a good sign for the team Pakistan ahead of the T20 WC 2024.#ShaheenAfridi pic.twitter.com/wwidS1tMTO— 𝕾𝖆𝖊𝖊𝖉 𝕾𝖍𝖆𝖍 (@SySd0) April 27, 2024
This should be “ Video of the Day ”#PAKvsNZ | #PAKvNZ pic.twitter.com/IxuKAdJMv7
— Shami Khan (@Shami_hun_) April 27, 2024
Shaheen Afridi said “I would have loved to take five wickets tonight, but even a single wicket in winning cause for Pakistan means a lot to me” 🇵🇰❤️❤️❤️#PAKvNZ #tapmad #HojaoADFree pic.twitter.com/1gkcFigfkk
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) April 27, 2024