MOUNT MAUNGANUI – Pakistan on Sunday defeated New Zealand by 18 runs in the series-deciding third and final Twenty20 in Mount Maunganui.
With this comprehensive win, the Green Shirts also clinched number one spot in the ICC T20 international cricket rankings after beating Kiwis in very close match.
Pakistan successfully pile up a reason able total of 182 runs in stipulated overs after winning the toss. Opener Fakhar Zaman scored 46 off 36 balls, his score includes five fours and one six. Haris Sohail, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Umar Amin put their respective share in pushing Pakistan to score the total.
Haris scored 20 off 12, while Sarfaraz and Umar Amin scored 29 and 21 respectively.
Fast bowler Hasan Ali has been ruled out of the third and final T20I match after suffering an ankle injury during training session. Aamir Yameen has been included as his replacement.
Pakistan won by 18 runs. Full Scorecard https://t.co/wUfwtUf3qV#NZvPAK pic.twitter.com/W9yGuk5NbY
— PCB Official (@TheRealPCB) January 28, 2018
Innings Break – Pakistan: 181/6 (20 ov). Live Updates: https://t.co/wUfwtUf3qV #NZVPAK pic.twitter.com/A8yV6J01ZV
— PCB Official (@TheRealPCB) January 28, 2018
Well played Pakistan, we made it to No 1 in T20 ranking! Great achievement and congrats to Sarfaraz Ahmad’s men! pic.twitter.com/b0UeEYUiC6
— Sarfraz Ali (@ItsSarfrazAli) January 28, 2018
New Zealand have dropped wicketkeeper Glenn Phillips and called in Tom Blundell to replace him.
Explosive batsman Colin Munro was also ruled out of the game earlier after suffering a mild hamstring strain in his right leg. Munro would be replaced by Ross Taylor for the match.
Pakistan leveled the three-match series 1-1 with the comprehensive victory on Thursday. However, the Green Shirts will have the chance to take revenge for the loss in the ODI series. The winner of Sunday’s match will not only grab the series but also take away the top spot in the ICC Twenty20 rankings.
Match Timings?
The third & the final T20 match started at 11:00am (PST).
Weather Condition?
Cloudy weather but no rain forecast with temperatures of 23-25c expected
Where to Watch the Live Match?
PTV Sports is broadcasting live coverage of the match.
Where can I stream the match?
Cricket fans can watch live stream on Daily Pakistan
Both teams are practicing hard to make the T20 series their own.
Pakistan U19 team preparing for the big @cricketworldcup semi-final against India. Our best wishes are with our Boys in Green pic.twitter.com/vZRhgxTfwO
— PCB Official (@TheRealPCB) January 27, 2018
Pakistan Team practice session at Bay Oval, Mt Maunganui pic.twitter.com/L98rGwCuBA
— PCB Official (@TheRealPCB) January 27, 2018
Pakistan XI:
Fakhar Zaman, Ahmed Shehzad, Babar Azam, Sarfraz Ahmed, Haris Sohail, Umer Amin, Shadab Khan, Aamir Yamin, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Amir, Rumman Raees.
New Zealand
New Zealand XI:
Martin Guptill, Kane Williamson, Anaru Kitchen, Tom Bruce, Ross Taylor, Colin de Grandhomme, Tom Blundell, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Trent Boult.
