Feisty Finn powers Black Caps to victory
NEW ZEALAND AND PAKISTAN EACH HAVE TWO WINS AND ONE DEFEAT
FINN ALLEN showed his form ahead of the Twenty20 World Cup by top-scoring for New Zealand with a disciplined batting display in their nine-wicket romp over Pakistan in Christchurch on Tuesday (11) in the tri-series.
Allen blasted six sixes in his 62 off 42 balls as the Black Caps chased down their target of 131 with ease at Hagley Oval.
The victory left the hosts and Pakistan each with two wins and one defeat before the Black Caps’ match against Bangladesh on Wednesday (12), also in Christchurch.
The three nations are using the week-long tournament to fine tune for the T20 World Cup in Australia, which begins later this month.
An improved bowling performance saw Pakistan restricted to 130 for seven in their 20 overs before Allen and Devon Conway’s rapid opening partnership of 117 set up a comfortable victory.
After Allen was stumped by Mohammad Rizwan, captain Kane Williamson saw New Zealand home with three overs and five balls to spare. “It was an improvement again from the last game,” said Williamson, referring to New Zealand’s eightwicket win over Bangladesh last Sunday (9).
“The condition weren’t easy, but we were nice and clinical with the ball. Finn really broke the back of the chase by being super aggressive and Devon complemented him nicely.”
Following his unbeaten 70 against Bangladesh, Conway struck five fours in compiling 49 not out off 46 balls. “We need to discuss our mistakes ahead of the next match,” said Pakistan captain Babar Azam. “We had a bad day, we just weren’t up to the mark with our batting.”
New Zealand bowler Michael Bracewell was named man-of-the-match after removing Pakistan’s prolific opening pair Rizwan, for 16, and captain Babar Azam, for 21, in his superb two for 11 from four overs.
“I was a bit fortunate in that first over with a couple of short, wide ones which went straight to fielders,” said Bracewell.
“It was pretty nerve-wracking, bowling to some world-class players, but I was happy with the way it came out.”
Iftikhar Ahmed top scored for Pakistan with 27, including three fours. Tim Southee removed Iftikhar and Mohammad Nawaz with the first two deliveries of the final over, but Mohammad Wasim survived the hat-trick ball.