Azam scored 69 runs off 44 balls, and Fakhar Zaman scored 43 runs off 33 balls for Pakistan, reaching a total of 178 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in 20 overs. Shaheen took 4 wickets for 30 runs, limiting New Zealand to 169 runs in 19.2 overs, resulting in a tied series at 2-2.
Pakistan secured the win in the final over with 12 runs needed, despite a threat from Josh Clarkson, who scored 38 not out. Mohammad Amir’s over saw two run outs, securing a home win to the delight of the crowd at Gaddafi Stadium.
The series included one abandoned match, with Pakistan winning the second and New Zealand winning the third by seven-wicket margins in Rawalpindi. New Zealand won the fourth match in Lahore by four runs.
The series served as both teams’ preparation for the T20 World Cup to be held in the United States and the West Indies in June. Although Pakistan hoped for a series win against a depleted New Zealand team missing several players due to the Indian Premier League, unavailability, and injuries, New Zealand gained confidence from their bench strength.
Shaheen Shah Afridi made a strong start for Pakistan, taking the wicket of Tom Blundell in his first over. Tim Seifert’s aggressive 52 runs off 33 balls, supported by skipper Micheal Bracewell’s 23 runs, put New Zealand in a good position. However, New Zealand lost momentum, losing four wickets in 25 balls after reaching 81-1. Usama Mir and Shadab Khan contributed to derail New Zealand’s chase.
In Pakistan’s innings, Azam and Usman Khan added 73 runs for the second wicket. Azam scored his 34th T20I half-century before being bowled by Ben Sears. Zaman contributed with 31 runs off 24 balls before being caught by Mark Chapman off Zak Foulkes. Shadab Khan remained not out with 15 runs off 5 balls. New Zealand made three changes to their lineup, bringing back Seifert, Cole McConchie, and Foulkes, while Shaheen returned for Pakistan.
