With a fiercely contested five-wicket win over New Zealand in Sharjah on Tuesday (26 October), Pakistan found a new hero in Asif Ali and rediscovered an old one in Shoaib Malik, keeping their unbeaten start to the T20 World Cup 2021 alive.
With a target of 135, Pakistan was anticipated to stroll to victory, especially following their 10-wicket thrashing of India on Sunday. Instead, the chase became more difficult as Pakistan’s hallmark batting collapse reappeared, threatening to shatter the hearts of their supporters.
Details of the match
Pakistan was 87-5 in the 15th over and the game was slipping away from the Men in Green’s grasp.
This is when Malik and Asif got together in a crucial scenario to build an undefeated 48-run combination. Asif’s performance was especially significant, as his back-to-back sixes in the 17th over drew Pakistan back into the game and justified his selection.
Earlier, Haris Rauf, a fast bowler who finished with 4-22, helped Pakistan to a 134-8 victory over New Zealand.
Devon Conway and Daryl Mitchell shared the lead with 27 runs each, while skipper Kane Williamson struggled to a 26-ball 25.
Pakistan put pressure on India early away, as left-arm paceman Shaheen Shah Afridi, who was named player of the match for his three wickets against India, delivered a maiden first over.
Rauf bowled Martin Guptill off his pads for 17 runs as New Zealand reached 36 without losing a wicket. In one over, he also dismissed Conway and Glenn Phillips (13) as New Zealand failed to raise the tempo at any point.
With the penultimate ball of the final over, Rauf also removed Mitchell Santner (six).
Shaheen finished with 1-21, with Mohammad Hafeez and Imad Wasim each taking one wicket.
Pakistan retained the same lineup that defeated India.
New Zealand, who were playing their first Super 12s encountered a blow before the game when fast bowler Lockie Ferguson was ruled out due to a calf injury.
