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Pakistan's mediocre middle-order was exposed again ahead of T20 World Cup 2022. At a high-scoring venue (Hagley Oval, Christchurch), Pakistan posted a total way below par which was chased down by the New Zealand without breaking a sweat. To everyone's surprise, not a single six was hit during Pakistan's innings. This happened for the first time in eight years to Pakistan in the format.
After winning the toss, Babar Azam opted to bat first. Mohammad Rizwan and Babar failed to make use of the fielding restrictions. In-form Babar got dismissed by Michael Bracewell for 16 in the fifth over. After dull powerplay overs, Shan Masood (14) got dismissed by Mitchell Santner.
In the 10th over, Santner struck again to get the wicket of Shadab Khan (8) as the all-rounder was promoted up the order again. In the next over, Bracewell ended Babar's stay at the crease. He scored 21 runs from 23 deliveries. Another Kiwi spinner joined the party with the wicket of Haider Ali. Ish Sodhi struck in the 14th over to reduce Pakistan to 77/5.
Iftikhar Ahmed and Asif Ali tried to string a partnership together and get Pakistan to a respectable total. The partnership continued till the 20th over. Tim Southee got rid of Itikhar who scored a run-a-ball 27. Southee followed it up with the wicket of Mohammad Nawaz off the next delivery. Asif, who claimed that he hits 150 sixes daily in the nets, remained not out for 25 off 20 deliveries as Pakistan posted 130/7.
Bracewell not just took two wickets but bowled an economical spell as well. He conceded just 11 runs from his quota of four overs.
The hosts did not face much problem chasing down a small target. In the powerplay overs, Finn Allen dominated Pakistan bowlers with Devon Conway playing second fiddle. After the fielding restrictions, Kiwis had 57/0 on the board.
In the 10th over, Allen got to his half-century with a huge six off Iftikhar. In the 14th over, Shadab got a consolation wicket of Allen who scored 62 runs from 42 deliveries including one four and six sixes.
New Zealand got over the line off the first ball of the 17th over. Conway missed his half-century as he remained unbeaten for 49 off 46 deliveries including five fours. On the other end, Williamson remained not out for a run-a-ball nine runs.
“First innings was a little bit slow, our batting was not up to the mark. Lot of things to discuss and a day off tomorrow, we will ensure we don't repeat the mistakes in the next game. We had a bad day, if we had got 160 would have been good but 130 is easy for the Black Caps,” Babar said in the post-match presentation.
