New Zealand and Pakistan recently squared off in a thrilling five-match T20I series that ended with both teams winning two games each, with the fifth and final game ending in a narrow victory for New Zealand. The Kiwis were powered to victory by Mark Chapman's outstanding century, which helped his team chase down a target of 194 runs in just 19.2 overs.
The fifth T20I took place at the Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi, and it proved to be a high-scoring affair. Pakistan batted first after winning the toss, and their openers Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan got their team off to a solid start, adding 51 runs for the first wicket in just 34 balls.
However, New Zealand managed to get back into the game by taking three quick wickets, with Azam (19), Mohammad Haris (0), and Saim Ayub (0) all departing in the space of five balls. Rizwan and Iftikhar Ahmed then stitched together a crucial partnership of 71 runs in 46 balls to put Pakistan back on track.
After Iftikhar's dismissal for 36 runs in 22 balls, Imad Wasim came out to bat and played a superb cameo of 31 runs in just 14 balls. His knock included five fours and a six and helped Pakistan post a competitive total of 193-5 in their allotted 20 overs. Rizwan was unlucky not to score a century as he remained unbeaten on 98 runs in 62 balls, hitting seven fours and four sixes in the process.
New Zealand got off to a torrid start during the run-chase, with Shaheen Afridi dismissing skipper Tom Latham (0) and Will Young (4) in the first over of the innings. Imad Wasim then helped Pakistan bag two more wickets, with Chad Bowes (19) and Daryl Mitchell (15) departing before the end of the 10th over, leaving New Zealand in a precarious position at 73-4 with the required run-rate climbing.
At this stage, James Neesham and Mark Chapman came together and stitched together a remarkable match-winning partnership. The duo added 121 runs in only 58 balls while smacking the Pakistan bowlers to all parts of the ground. Chapman remained unbeaten on 104 runs in 57 balls with the help of 11 fours and four sixes, while Neesham scored 45 runs in 25 balls, which included four fours and two maximums.
Chapman's century was the highlight of the game and earned him well-deserved praise from fans and experts alike. He played a mature innings and showed great composure under pressure, leading his team to a thrilling victory.
The fifth T20I was a fitting end to what was a closely contested series between two talented teams. Pakistan had won the first two games of the series before New Zealand bounced back to win the third. The fourth game was washed out due to rain, setting up a thrilling finale in the fifth game.
It must be noted that New Zealand was missing eight players from their squad due to their participation in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Furthermore, their regular skipper Kane Williamson was out with a bad knee injury, leaving the captaincy to Tom Latham, providing opportunities for newcomers to shine.
The tour was a crucial one for both teams as they prepare for the upcoming 50-over World Cup in India. Pakistan and New Zealand will now face each other in five one-day internationals, honing their preparations for the mega-event.
The five-match T20I series was an entertaining affair that showcased some excellent cricket from both teams. While Pakistan will be disappointed not to have won the series.
مارک چیپمین نے ایک شاندار سو سکور کرتے ہوئے پاکستان کو پانچواں اور آخری ٹی ٹوئنٹی میچ میں ہارا دیا۔ مسلسل پانچ میچ سیریز کا مقابلہ پینڈی کرکٹ اسٹیڈیم میں کھیلا گیا جہاں نیوزی لینڈ کی ٹیم نے 194 رنز کا مقابلہ کرتے ہوئے 19.2 اوورز میں ہدف کو حاصل کر لیا۔ اس جیت نے نیوزی لینڈ کو پانچ میچ سیریز کو 2-2 کرنے میں کامیابی حاصل کرنے میں کامیاب بنا دیا۔
نیوزی لینڈ کے کپتان ٹام لیتھم اور ویل یانگ نے دونوں پہلے اوور میں شاہین آفریدی کی بولنگ سے صفر پر واپس آگئے۔ یہ بہت برا آغاز تھا لیکن جیمز نیشم اور مارک چیپمین نے بعد میں میچ کے برابر کھیل کر اپنے ٹیم کو جیت دلائی۔ انہوں نے صرف 58 بالز میں 121 رنز کی پارٹنرشپ بنائی جبکہ مارک چیپمین نے 57 بالوں پر 104 رنز کیلئے 11 چوکے اور 4 چھکے مارے۔
پہلے بیٹنگ کرنے والی پاکستانی ٹیم نے 20 اوور کے دوران 193 رنز بنائے۔ بابر عزم اور محمد رضوان نے پاکستان کو بہترین شروعات دی جب وہ پہلے وکٹ کے لیے 51 رنزوں کی شاندار پارٹنرشپ بنائے۔