Babar, Afridi and Usama help Pakistan level series

Pakistan had to win to keep the series alive. On the other hand, New Zealand had no choice but to win to clinch the series. In the final match of the five-match series, this was the scenario for both teams. Eventually, the hosts Pakistan won the match by 9 runs, drawing the series 2-2. Captain Babar Azam played a key role in Pakistan's victory. While Babar excelled with the bat, Shaheen Shah Afridi stole the spotlight with the ball.

After winning the toss at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium, New Zealand opted to bat with a target of 179 runs. Shaheen dismissed Tom Blundell in the first over, and later took 3 more wickets. After Blundell’s dismissal, Tim Seifert and Michael Bracewell managed to stabilize the innings. However, after Seifert scored a fifty and was out at a team total of 81 runs, the Kiwis came under pressure.

Wickets fell at regular intervals. The team lost 5 wickets by the time they reached 103 runs. Bracewell also returned to the pavilion scoring 23 runs. Josh Clarkson remained unbeaten, but the victory was not secured. Wickets kept falling one after the other.

With 12 runs needed off the last 6 balls, New Zealand succumbed to two run-outs in Mohammad Amir’s over, losing all their wickets and ending their innings at 169 runs in 19.2 overs.

Shaheen Shah Afridi took 4 wickets with the ball, and Usama Mir took 2 wickets.

Earlier in Pakistan's innings, they lost Saim Ayub in the second over. However, opener Babar responsibly took charge. He formed a partnership with Usman Khan. Although Usman was dismissed for 31 runs, Babar continued and eventually returned to the pavilion after completing a team century.

Pakistan’s captain played an innings of 69 runs off 44 balls. At that point, Fakhar Zaman was at the crease. This batsman did his utmost to give Pakistan a fighting chance. His 43 runs off 33 balls were effective. Towards the end, Shadab Khan was unbeaten with 15 runs off 5 balls, including one six and one four.

As a result, Pakistan managed to score 176 runs losing 5 wickets in the allotted 20 overs.