CHRISTCHURCH: In their tri-series Twenty20 match against Pakistan on Saturday in Christchurch, New Zealand reached 147-8 thanks to late hits from batsman Mark Chapman.Prior to Chapman’s 32 off 16 balls, which included three fours and two sixes, the Black Caps, who had elected to bat first, looked to be on track for a modest total at Hagley Oval.
After defeating Bangladesh by 21 runs in the series opener at the same location on Friday, Pakistan can win the series if they can reach their target.The seven-day competition is being used by the three nations to prepare for the T20 World Cup, which will take place in Australia this month.
The foundation for New Zealand’s innings is laid by opening batters Devon Conway (36 off 35) and skipper Kane Williamson (31 off 30), despite the fact that both struggled with timing during a 61-run second-wicket stand.
Williamson, a good player who has played 29 innings over the past 18 months and has just once in all surpassed the milestone of 50 in all forms, so it was yet another disappointing outcome for him.Chapman attempted a slog-sweep off spinner Mohammad Nawaz but was out to a slower ball from Pakistan’s best bowler, paceman Haris Rauf (3-28).
Today’s match will feature the same Pakistani team that defeated Bangladesh yesterday.After winning the toss, Captain Babar Azam said they expect the middle order to do well.
Performing IX
There are many influential people in Pakistan, including Mohammad Rizwan, Shan Masood, Iftikhar Ahmed, Iftikhar Khan, Shadab Khan, Haider Ali, Asif Ali, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim, Haris Rauf, and Shahnawaz Dahani.
In addition to Ish Sodhi, New Zealanders include Kane Williamson, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, James Neesham, Tim Southee, Trent Boult, and Blair Tickner.
