by: TN Media News Pakistan:
In a thrilling display of cricket prowess at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on April 27, 2024, Pakistan leveled the T20I series against New Zealand with a resounding 9-run victory. Shaheen Shah Afridi, the sensational pacer, stole the limelight with his stellar performance, further cementing his reputation in the cricketing world.
Shaheen Afridi’s exceptional bowling not only dismantled the New Zealand batting lineup but also etched his name in the record books. He became the first bowler ever to achieve the milestone of claiming 50 wickets in T20 cricket, a testament to his skill and dominance on the field. Afridi’s spell of 4/30 turned the tide in Pakistan’s favor, earning him the well-deserved Player of the Match title.
Usama Mir also made significant contributions to Pakistan’s victory, thwarting the advancement of Kiwi batters with his impressive figures of 2 wickets for 21 runs. Together, Afridi and Mir spearheaded Pakistan’s bowling attack, restricting the visitors to a challenging total.
Chasing a target of 179 runs, New Zealand faced early setbacks as Afridi’s fiery bowling dismissed key batsmen, including Tom Blundell, in the initial overs. Despite Tim Seifert’s aggressive innings of 52 runs off 33 balls, the Kiwis struggled to maintain momentum against Pakistan’s relentless bowling attack.
In the end, Pakistan emerged victorious as New Zealand fell short by nine runs, unable to withstand the pressure exerted by the home side. With this triumph, Pakistan leveled the five-match T20I series, showcasing their resilience and determination on home turf.
Batting first, Pakistan posted a formidable total of 178/5, courtesy of stellar performances by Babar Azam, Usman Khan, and Fakhar Zaman. Babar Azam’s masterful innings of 69 runs off 44 balls propelled Pakistan’s innings, supported by Usman Khan’s quickfire 31 and Fakhar Zaman’s aggressive strokeplay, contributing 43 runs.
With electrifying performances from both bat and ball, Pakistan demonstrated their mettle, setting the stage for an exhilarating conclusion to the T20I series. As the cricketing world awaits the final showdown, Pakistan’s victory serves as a testament to their skill, unity, and unwavering spirit on the field.
