Azam raises the bar after T20 century against Kiwis

Pakistan captain Babar Azam scaled new heights in T20 cricket as his century helped secure back-to-back wins over New Zealand.

Azam smashed an unbeaten 101 off 58 balls while fast bowler Haris Rauf claimed a second successive four-wicket haul as New Zealand fell short of the 193-run target set by Pakistan in Lahore, losing by 38 runs. Azam now has the second highest number of centuries in T20 cricket – nine – and only trails Chris Gayle (22).

“Definitely, I am very happy,” Azam said. “I tried to stay until the end and play all overs and utilised the last few overs and we managed to get a good total.”

Azam enjoyed a 99-run stand with Mohammad Rizwan for the first wicket and although Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub and Imad Wasim were dismissed cheaply, Pakistan powered on once Iftikhar Ahmed (33 off 19) came to the crease.

Mark Chapman shone for New Zealand with the bat, hitting 65 runs off 40 deliveries to remain unbeaten.

But it was the bowling of Rauf that undid the tourists once again.

The right-arm quick restricted New Zealand to 154 as he claimed his four wickets for 27 runs to surpass his performance in the previous night’s win.

“We have been there or thereabouts but we weren’t able to finish the innings off, both with the ball and bat,” said Black Caps captain Tom Latham. “When Babar plays like that, you tip your hat off. The bowlers are trying hard and we are not that far away.

“We were a lot better than last night. You need to get off to a quick start while chasing 190 and we weren’t able to do that today.”

Lahore will host the third match today before Rawalpindi stages the last two games of the series. The T20 series will be followed by five ODIs with Rawalpindi and Karachi set to host the games.