Picture Credit: Twitetr
Pakistan cricket team notched up a thrilling tri-series final against New Zealand on October 14 (Thursday) by five wickets on the back of impressive bowling performance and collective batting performance. Kane Williamson-led New Zealand posted 165-7 in the 1st innings as a target, which Men in Green chased down with five wickets.
The New Zealand skipper found his mojo back ahead of the highly anticipated T20 World Cup 2022 as he scored 59 off 38 runs to help the host to a competitive total in the game. But Mohammad Rizwan's 34 in 29 balls, Mohammad Nawaz (38), Haider Ali (31) and unbeaten Iftikhar Ahmed (25 off 14) guided Pakistan to a comprehensive win in the summit clash.
Pakistan would be delighted with its middle-order stepping ahead of the ICC tournament, but it also dealt with a major blow as its prolific batter Asif Ali was seen limping and had to walk out of the field. Ali's injury surfaced when Kiwi batter Devon Conway hit Wasim Jr. through the cover point, and Ali tried to chase the ball down to the boundary. While Ali's effort went in vain as the ball raced away to the boundary, the Pakistan batter was seen in massive pain after his knee got stuck in the ground while making a dive.
After Pakistan physios checked on Ali, the cricketer walked off the field. Although Ali came out to bat in the second innings but didn't appear perfectly fit as he could only face two deliveries before getting dismissed off Blair Tickner. Speaking of the tri-series final, 19-year-old Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf picked two wickets in the first innings, while Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz finished the game with one wicket each.
The 28-year-old left-handed batting allrounder was bestowed with Player of the Match for his incredible batting and picking up his first wicket in the 1st innings. Right-arm orthodox Michael Bracewell was awarded Player of the Series. Notably, Pakistan will start its World Cup campaign against arch-rivals India on October 23 in Melbourne.
