refreshRight then, that is it from this game and the series as well. New Zealand finished on a high and with a 3-0 scoreline over Pakistan. Now, both the teams have a nice little break from international cricket. However, a few players from both sides will join their respective PSL teams that will be starting on 11th April, and you can catch all the action of that tournament as well. We hope that you have enjoyed our coverage throughout this tour. Until next time, cheers and goodbye!
Michael Bracewell, the victorious captain of New Zealand, is up again for a quick chat. He says that they have added new guys to the team, and it has been pleasing to see them perform here. Adds that the series win is a bonus on that, and he is pretty happy. Mentions that as Black Caps, they have a style on how they want to play, and they want to continue with that. Tells that there are so many little things that they have won throughout the series. States that it is pretty same to the 2023 series and the bowlers are fast and aggressive, which is so heart-warming to watch, and Duffy has led them well. Further adds that the credit goes to all the players who stood up in different situations, and they have always found a way to get in whenever the situation became tough.
Mohammad Rizwan, the captain for Pakistan, says that they were better than the first two games but still need to improve a lot. Adds that Babar Azam got a fifty and Sufiayan Muqeem also bowled well, and it was a good fight. Credits New Zealand for their performance and says that they were fantastic when they went to Pakistan as well, and the professionalism is superb from them. Says that they need to work on a few things, especially on their batting in these conditions. Tells that they will now put the past behind them and look forward to the PSL, which is like a festival for the fans in Pakistan, and hopefully, they can enjoy that tournament.
Ben Sears is the PLAYER OF THE SERIES for his 10 wickets in two games. He says he is grateful to have gotten the opportunity and is happy to have performed well. Adds that the experience was great around such talented boys, and it was special to come in as the first change following some great bowling by the rest of the bowlers. Mentions the plan was just to try and build pressure in the middle, and he is just happy to have contributed.
Michael Bracewell is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his brilliant half-century. He says that it was an incredible day, and he is happy that his team put in a good performance. Adds that the wicket stood out very well as the rain was here for the last couple of days, but the credit goes to the groundsmen for how they have prepared it. Mentions that they have a limited set of resources and that all the players played incredibly well as per their capabilities. States that it wasn’t an easy surface to bat on, and they were pretty happy with that score at the halfway point of the inning. Tells that he is pretty happy with the all-around effort of the team.
Presentation Time...
New Zealand will be pleased with their bowling performance. While they didn’t strike early with the new ball, they bounced back impressively during the middle overs. The pacers were right on the money once again, with Ben Sears leading the charge brilliantly and delivering key breakthroughs. The decision to bring on Daryl Mitchell proved spot-on, as he claimed the crucial wicket of Babar Azam. Michael Bracewell and Muhammad Abbas also chipped in with a wicket each. Fittingly, it was Sears who sealed the deal, finishing with yet another outstanding five-wicket haul - becoming the first New Zealander to claim back-to-back fifers in ODIs.
Earlier in the day, New Zealand put up a strong total in this rain-shortened encounter. Michael Bracewell led by example with a commanding half-century, while Rhys Mariu set the platform early on with his maiden ODI fifty. The middle order chipped in with handy contributions to keep the scoreboard ticking. For Pakistan, Akif Javed stood out with an impressive four-wicket haul, while Naseem Shah claimed a couple, and both Faheem Ashraf and Sufiyan Muqeem picked up one apiece. Although it was a better bowling effort compared to the first two games, they still leaked a few too many runs at the death.
Despite losing Imam early to injury, Pakistan made a steady start, thanks to Abdullah Shafique and Babar Azam. However, Shafique couldn’t capitalise on his start, and Babar’s dismissal soon after reaching his half-century proved to be the turning point. While the visitors looked comfortable with Babar at the crease, his departure triggered a collapse. Runs dried up, and wickets kept tumbling at regular intervals. Mohammad Rizwan and Tayyab Tahir offered brief resistance with a couple of handy knocks, but it was never going to be enough to chase down the target without support from the others.
NEW ZEALAND COMPLETE SERIES WHITEWASH OVER PAKISTAN! A dominant all-round performance once again from the hosts, who have outclassed Pakistan throughout the series - and that too without several key players in their ranks. For the Men in Green, it's been a tour full of missed opportunities. They had their moments but failed to build on them, managing to win just one T20I across a tour that included five T20Is and three ODIs. A disappointing return and plenty to reflect on for the visitors.
39.6OUT! CAUGHT! Game, set and match! Ben Sears finishes with a five-fer and New Zealand win the game by 43 runs to clean sweep the ODI series 3-0! Sears smartly takes pace off this time and follows the batter making room, on a length, Sufiyan Muqeem is cramped up a bit and whips it off the upper half of the bat in an attempt to get it over the infield on the off side, but ends up hitting it straight to mid off. Muhammad Abbas moves to his left and takes a fine catch.
39.5Short of a length, on off, Sufiyan Muqeem looks to hoick across but misses.
39.4Short again, on leg, Sufiyan Muqeem looks to pull and gets a top edge that falls short of the keeper.
39.3In the air, but falls safe. Seems like Tim Seifert lost it in the night sky. Back of a length, on middle, Akif Javed pulls it off the outer half of the bat to the left of deep square leg. Tim makes all the ground but the ball just drops down to his left. The batters take one.
39.2Good length, angling in, on leg, Akif Javed has a wild swing but misses. The ball zips past the leg stump.
39.1Slower bouncer, on middle and leg, Sufiyan Muqeem pulls it to fine leg for a single.
38.6Fuller than a length, on middle, Sufiyan Muqeem makes room and drags it across to mid-wicket for one.
38.5Goes short and on off, Sufiyan Muqeem looks to ramp but misses.
Sufiyan Muqeem is the last man in.
38.4OUT! TAKEN! That should be the game for New Zealand! The break in play brings New Zealand the last big fish in Tayyab Tahir. Jacob Duffy bangs the surface short of a length and outside off, Tayyab Tahir gets on top of his toes and slices it straight to deep point. Tim Seifert takes a few steps to his left and gobbles up a simple catch around his chest height.
Oh... No! What has happened? The lights have gone all over the ground. Duffy was about to bowl as he has taken his follow-through, and as soon as he released the ball, the lights were gone all of a sudden. Though he has delivered the ball, but the batter, Tayyab Tahir, has backed away. Now, it is fine to continue.
38.3Full, on off, Tayyab Tahir drills his drive but stright to cover.
38.2FOUR! Top shot. Tayyab Tahir is keeping the game alive for Pakistan! Short of a good length and well outside off, Tayyab Tahir has to reach for it, and he does. Cuts it over point for a boundary.
Halt. Tayyab Tahir has asked something to the leg umpire, and the play is interrupted for now. Probably, there aren't enough fielders in the 30-yard circle. Now, we are good to continue.
38.1Keeps it well outside off, on a good length, Tayyab Tahir tries to reach for it but misses on making any connection.
It is a double change here as Jacob Duffy (6-0-35-1) comes back into the attack now.
37.6Outside off, on a length, Tahir cuts it to point for a single.
37.5On the pads, on a length, Akif Javed tries to work it fine but misses. The ball clips his pads and rolls behind to the leg side and the batters take a leg bye.
37.4No Hat trick but what a lovely ball! On a hard length, on middle and nipping back in sharply to beat the inside edge and wrap Akif high on the waist.
Akif Javed is the new batter in for Pakistan.
37.3OUT! CAUGHT! Bang, Bang! One brings two in a flash, and Ben Sears is on a Hat Trick! Hits the surface hard, on a back of a length, on middle and off and gets the ball to shoot up at good pace. Mohammad Wasim is taken aback and sticks his bat in front to make a block. The ball takes the splice and lobs straight to Will O'Rourke at short third, who takes a simple catch.
Mohammad Wasim walks in next.
37.2OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! A fine use of a review from New Zealand! On a length, down leg, Naseem Shah looks to flick it but misses. The ball goes off his gloves to the left of the keeper, and Mitchell Hay moves to that side and takes a good catch low to his left. The keeper is up in celebration for a caught behind, but the umpire hasn't moved. New Zealand have decided to review it. The UltraEdge shows a spike as the ball passes the glove, and the third umpire also checks if the keeper has collected it cleanly, and he has.
37.2WIDE! Short of a length again, angling into the batter, down leg, Naseem Shah hops inside the line and looks to help it on its way but misses.
37.1Short of a length, over middle, Tahir angles it to short third for a single.
Ben Sears (7-0-29-2) comes back into the attack.
36.6Full and outside off, Tayyab Tahir cuts it to deep point for a single. A very good over for Pakistan. 14 runs come off it.
36.5Almost a yoker, outside off, Naseem Shah digs it out with an angled bat face and almost manages to squeeze it past backward point. One run taken.
36.4FOUR! Thumped! On a length, around off with good pace, Naseem Shah swats it over mid off to his left for a boundary.
36.3On a length, on off, Tahir steers it to backward point for a single.
36.2SIX! BANG! Short and on middle, Tayyab Tahir pulls it over deep square leg for a biggie.
36.1A bix mixup but luckily no harm done. Short of a length, outside off, Naseem Shah has a swing and gets an inside edge that goes to the left of the keeper, Mitchell Hay. Tayyab Tahir sets himself off for the run and almost reaches Naseem at the batting end. The throw isn't too great, and the bowler wasn't backing up, which allows Naseem Shah to get through to the other end.
35.6Back of a length, on off, Naseem Shah dabs it to backward point for a single.9 runs come off this over. Pakistan need 69 more runs off 36 balls.
35.5Short one, around off, with pace taken off, Naseem Shah throws everything at it but gets an under edge that drops down on the pitch, going nowhere.
35.4Slower one, full and on middle, Tayyab Tahir works it to deep mid-wicket for a run.
35.3Goes into the surface and on a back of a length, over middle, Naseem Shah steers it to backward point for one.
35.2Short and on middle, Tayyab Tahir pulls it to deep square leg for a single.
35.2WIDE! Daryl Mitchell takes pace off and drops it short but down leg.
35.1FOUR! Superb shot! Daryl Mitchell goes short and over off, Tayyab Tahir makes some room and ramps it through the gap between short third and backward point.
34.6Short and outside off, Naseem Shah swats it over the bowler's head for a brace.
34.5Hits the length hard, on off, gets some extra bounce, shaping away, Naseem Shah has a poke but misses.
34.4SIX! He got hold of that one! Touch fuller, on middle, anglnig in a bit. Naseem Shah clears his front leg away and smacks it over the deep square leg fence for a biggie. He knew the moment he hit that and did not bother looking at it.
34.3A bouncer now, on middle, Naseem Shah tries to ramp it away but misses.
34.2Short of a length and on middle, Naseem Shah guides it to point.
34.1Slower one, on a length and on off, Tayyab Tahir looks to play but gets an inside edge onto his pads as the ball rolls to the off side. A quick single is taken.
End of Powerplay 2! Will O'Rourke (7-0-37-0) comes back into the attack.
33.6Flatter, full and on middle, Tayyab Tahir knocks it towards mid on for one.
33.5Another short delivery, on leg, Naseem Shah flicks it to deep square leg for a run.
Naseem Shah walks in at number 8 for Pakistan.
33.4OUT! TAKEN! Michael Bracewell gets a wicket now! He slows it up, short and on off, and turns away. Faheem Ashraf backs away to cut it but only manages to get a top edge. Tim Seifert at backward point runs to his right and dives to take a brilliant catch. Pakistan are 176/6, still needing 89 runs in 50 balls!
33.3Tossed up, full and on middle, Faheem Ashraf steers it to point.
33.2Flighted, full and on off, grips and turns away, Faheem Ashraf plays all over it.
33.1Short again, on leg, Tayyab Tahir nudges it to short fine for a single.
33.1Short but down the leg side, Tayyab Tahir leaves it alone. Wided.
32.6Hard length and on off, Tayyab Tahir runs it down to third man for one.
32.5Buzzers! Fuller and on off, Faheem Ashraf knocks it towards mid off for a single. Michael Bracewell picks up the and hits the stumps at the bowler's end, but Ashraf is in. The ball deflects away in the deep and allows a couple of extra runs.
32.5A bouncer, but too high for the batter, Faheem Ashraf leaves it alone. Wided.
Faheem Ashraf walks in at number 7 for Pakistan.
32.4OUT! TAKEN! That's the wicket New Zealand wanted! A massive blow for Pakistan, and that is probably the last nail in the coffin for them. Jacob Duffy bowls a slower one, full and just around off. Mohammad Rizwan goes down and throws everything at it to slog it away. However, he loses balance completely and only manages to get a top edge. Mitchell Hay, the keeper, calls for it, moves forward to settle under it and pouches it safely. Pakistan lose half their side now!
32.3On a length and on middle, Tayyab Tahir pats it in front of point for a single.
32.2Oh..that's fiery! Jacob Duffy bangs in a quick and sharp bouncer, on middle, takes off and nips back in, Tayyab Tahir just about sways away from it.
32.1Back of a length and on for, Mohammad Rizwan drags it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
31.6Drags his length back, on middle, turns a long way into the leg side, Tayyab Tahir nudges it to short fine. Pakistan need 98 runs in the last ten overs!
31.5Quicker, full and on middle, turns in, Mohammad Rizwan tries to paddle it away but gets a glove on it. It deflects off the keeper's gloves towards square leg. They cross.
31.4Flatter, full and on middle, Tayyab Tahir works it to square leg for one.
31.3Short again, on off, Mohammad Rizwan backs away and punches it through covers for another run.
31.2Floated, short and on off, Tayyab Tahir uses his feet and steers it to point for a run.
31.1Short and on leg, Mohammad Rizwan clips it towards square leg for a single.
30.6Bangs this hard into the pitch, outside off, Tayyab Tahir tries to upper cut it but misses. That was there to be put away.
30.5Hard length and outside off, Mohammad Rizwan guides it through point for a run.
30.4SIX! That is outta here! Pitched up and on middle, angling in. Mohammad Rizwan picks it up nicely and uses his strong wrists to whip it over the deep square leg fence for a biggie.
30.3Fuller and around off, Mohammad Rizwan drives it firmly towards sweeper covers for a brace.
30.2A slower one, short of a length and outside off, Mohammad Rizwan looks to cut but misses.
30.1Back of a length and on off, Tayyab Tahir punches it through covers for a single.
Jacob Duffy (4-0-18-0) comes back into the attack.
29.6Continues to bowl short, on middle this time, Tayyab Tahir punches it to long on for one more.
29.5Another short delivery, angling into leg, Mohammad Rizwan pats it to mid-wikcet for one.
29.4Quicker, short once more, on middle, Tayyab Tahir works it through square leg for a run.
29.3Drags his length back, on off, Tayyab Tahir dabs it to short third.
29.2Short again, on middle, Mohammad Rizwan stays back and flicks it towards mid-wicket for a run.
29.1Floated, short and on middle, Tayyab Tahir nudges it through mid-wicket for a single.
28.6FOUR! Much-needed one for Pakistan! Ben Sears bangs this into the pitch, on middle, does not bounce much. Mohammad Rizwan gets on top of it and heaves it to the deep square leg fence for a boundary.
28.5Five dots in a row! Short of a length and on off, Mohammad Rizwan dabs it to point.
28.4Fuller and on off, Mohammad Rizwan drives it straight where Ben Sears gets a hand to it on his follow-through.
28.3Back of a length and on middle, angling in, Mohammad Rizwan goes down to hook it away but misses.
28.2Pitched up and on middle, Mohammad Rizwan drills it down the ground where it hits the stumps a the other end and goes nowhere.
28.1Full and on middle, Mohammad Rizwan tucks it to mid-wicket.
27.6Full and around off, Rizwan nudges it to mid on and runs off a quick single.
27.6WIDE! An off-cutter, on a length but down the leg side, Rizwan misses his flick shot. Called a wide.
27.5Excellent running between the wickets! Hard length, with pace taken off, around middle, Mohammad Rizwan tucks it with soft hands towards mid-wicket and steals two runs.
27.4Full and on the pads, Tahir flicks it to deep square leg for a single.
27.3Slightly fuller and around middle, Rizwan nudges it to deep square leg for a single.
27.2Back of a length, around off, Tayyab Tahir pats it down towards backward point for a single.
27.1On a good length, around middle, Mohammad Rizwan swipes it to deep square leg for a single.
26.6Dragged length, around off, Tayyab Tahir defends it to cover.
26.5Nagging length, around middle, Tayyab Tahir drops it down to mid on.
Tayyab Tahir is the next man in.
26.4OUT! CAUGHT! Pakistan lose their fourth, and they are in trouble here! Ben bowls it on a hard length and around middle and leg. Salman Agha moves across and looks to pick it up. He flicks it but gets a top edge instead that goes to deep fine leg. Jacob Duffy goes back a bit and takes it just inside the ropes. Pakistan are 135/4.
26.3Full and on middle, Rizwan flicks it to deep square leg for a single.
26.2Nearly a chopped on! On a hard length, around off, Salman Agha looks to cut it but gets an underedge that goes past the off stump towards square leg for a single.
26.2FIVE WIDES! On a good length, but down the leg side, Salman Agha shuffles across and looks to tickle it but misses. The keeper dives in to his left but gets his fingertips on it as the ball runs away to the boundary.
26.1Good length, around off, Rizwan taps it towards cover and steals a single. Good running between the wickets by both batters!
Drinks! This game is nicely poised at the moment. Pakistan will hope that this pair at the crease take the game deep and at least one of them plays till the end. If that happens, they will chase this total down. However, New Zealand boaties know the conditions well and will look to use it to strike crucial blows after this break and keep the pressure on the batting side. An exciting phase of cricket awaits us.
25.6Short and wide outside off, Mohammad Rizwan cuts it to deep point for a single.
25.5Short of a length, around off, Salman Agha looks to pull it but gets an outside edge that hits his shoulder and goes towards backward point for a single.
25.5WIDE! A bouncer, angling into the body of the batter, Salman Agha ducks under it. Called a wide.
25.4Back of a length, around off, Rizwan cuts it to deep point for a single.
25.3FOUR! STREAKY! On a good length, around middle, with pace taken off, Mohammad Rizwan goes on his knee and looks to sweep it. Gets a top edge that flies over the keeper for a boundary.
25.2Full and on the pads, Rizwan flicks it to mid on. He wants to have a single but is sent back by his partner.
25.1Hard length, around middle, Mohammad Rizwan swipes it in the gap towards deep square leg for a couple of runs.
24.6A bumper, around midde, Salman Agha ducks under it.
24.5Short of a length, around off, Salman Agha leaves it alone.
24.4FOUR! ANOTHER TOP SHOT! Full again and outside off, Salman Agha comes forward and presents the full face of the bat. He drives it to the left of mid off for a boundary.
24.3A bouncer, around middle, Salman Agha ducks under it.
24.2BEATEN! Dragged length and outside off, Salman Agha looks to cut it but misses.
24.1FOUR! GLORIOUS! Abbas lands it full and touch outside off, Salman Agha leans on and drives it to the left of the bowler for a boundary. TOO STRAIGHT DOWN THE GROUND!
23.6Full again and around off, Salman Agha drives it and beats the diving cover fielder to his right for a single.
23.5Full and around middle, Salman tucks it to mid-wicket.
23.4OUT! CAUGHT! Daryl Mitchell has given New Zealand the biggest wicket as Babar Azam is gone after making a fifty! He bowls it on a back of a length and around off, on the left shoulder of the batter. Babar Azam goes back and pulls it. He makes a good connection, but it goes straight to deep mid-wicket where Tim Seifert takes a simple catch. Salman Agha is the next batter in for Pakistan.
23.3Back of a length, around middle, Babar drops it down into the pitch for no run.
23.2Full and outside off, Rizwan drives it to deep cover for a single.
23.1Touch fuller and around middle, Babar Azam comes forward and nudges it wide of mid-wicket for a single. He completes his fifty and this is a fine knock from a class player but he knows that his job isn't done yet as it is a big chase and he will have to stay till the end.
22.6Short of a length, around middle, Mohammad Rizwan hops up and drops it down to mid-wicket. He wants to have a quick single but is sent back by his partner.
22.5On a length, around off, Babar taps it down towards cover and picks up a quick single.
22.4FOUR! PURE TIMING! Back of a length, around middle, Babar Azam goes back and pulls it to deep backward square leg for a boundary. He moves to 48 now.
22.3Hard length, around off, Babar Azam pats it down to backward point.
22.2Short of a length, angling into the body of the batter, Mohammad Rizwan goes back and pulls it to deep fine leg for a single.
22.1On a good length, outside off, Babar Azam cuts it to deep point for a single. 100 comes up for Pakistan.
21.6On a length, around leg, Babar makes room and runs it down to third man for a single.
21.5On a good length, around middle, Babar Azam drives it to extra cover and wants to have a quick single but the fielder is quick there, who hits the direct hit at the non-striker's end but Rizwan was in.
21.4Hard length, around off, Rizwan runs it down to deep third for a single to get off the mark.
Mohammad Rizwan comes out to the middle now.
21.3OUT! CAUGHT! An excellent catch from the skipper of New Zealand that has ended the inning of Usman Khan for 12(17) and Pakistan are 97/2. Abbas provides a breakthrough as he bowls it on short of a length from over the wicket, around middle, Usman Khan clears out his front leg and looks to pull it to the leg side. The ball gets big on him, and he only manages to get a top edge towards square leg. Michael Bracewell runs in to his right from mid-wicket a couple of yards and puts in a full stretched dive to catch it just inches above the ground. A Superb Catch!
21.2Back of a length, around leg, Babar Azam pulls it down to deep backward square leg for one.
21.1Touch full and around off, Usman Khan drives it to wide mid off for a quick single.
20.6Angles it into the right-hander, on a back of a length, Usman Khan clips it to fine leg for a single.
20.5A bouncer, over off, Usman Khan sways away and lets it pass.
20.4Back of a length, on off, Babar Azam punches it to cover for one.
20.3FOUR! A boundary from Babar Azam after a long time. That should break some shackles. Short of a length, it doesn't rise as much as Will O'Rourke would have hoped for. Babar Azam stands tall and pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary.
20.2Full and on middle, Babar Azam drops it down in front of mid-wicket.
20.1Short and on middle and leg, Usman Khan swivels back and pulls it to fine leg for one.
19.6Nice and straight, on a length, Babar Azam shows the full face of the bat and blocks. Good start from Abbas. Just the 4 runs off his first over.
19.5Fuller in length, on middle and leg, Usman Khan clips it to fine leg for a single.
19.4Short one, over middle, Usman Khan crouches low and looks to pull but misses. Absolutely no control on that shot.
19.3Fuller and on middle and leg, Babar Azam tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.
19.2Goes full and on off, Babar Azam with very soft hands taps it down the deck.
19.1Errs in line first up and serves it on the pads, on a length, Babar Azam tickles it to fine leg for a couple of runs.
Muhammad Abbas comes into the attack now.
18.6FOUR! Much-needed boundary for Pakistan! Will O'Rourke goes full for once again, and on off, Usman Khan clears his front leg out and crunches it through covers for a boundary.
18.5Short and on off, Usman Khan whips it aerially over point. The ball plugs in the outfield near the ropes and the batters take two runs.
18.4Very similar line and length to the previous one, but Babar angles the bat face and steers it to deep third for one.
18.3Bangs it on a back of a length, outside off, Babar Azam has a fiddle at it and gets beaten on the outside edge.
18.2Good length, on off, Babar Azam stabs it down the deck.
18.1Full, on middle, Babar Azam drives it to mid on.
Will O'Rourke (4-0-16-0) comes back into the attack.
17.6A bit short and on off, Usman Khan punches it to the left of mid-wicket.
17.5Full, on middle, Usman Khan taps it to mid-wicket.
17.5WIDE! Slips it full and down leg. Usman Khan tries to scoop it behind but doesn't connect.
17.4Short and turning into middle and leg, Usman Khan tucks it to mid-wicket.
17.3Full, on middle and leg, Babar Azam works it to deep mid-wicket for one.
17.2Gives the ball some air and keeps it full, on off, Babar Azam lunges to block.
17.1Going on with the arm, on the pads, Usman Khan tucks it to the leg side and rotates the strike over.
16.6Gets off the mark! Short and outside off, Usman Khan dabs it to deep backward point for one. End of a tight over from Ben Sears!
16.5Lovely bowling! Short one over middle, Usman Khan looks to pull but is way too early and misses out.
16.4Back of a length, on off, Usman Khan chops it to cover off the inner half of the bat.
16.3That's a hostile welcome into the crease for the concussion substitute! A sharp bouncer directed at the left shoulder, Usman Khan sways away from the line.
The concussion substitute, Usman Khan, comes out to bat now.
16.2OUT! CAUGHT! Ben Sears finally provides New Zealand with the breakthrough they were after for so long. He bangs it into the surface and angles it into the batter, on middle and leg, Abdullah Shafique is hurried a bit because of the sheer pace, but he still tries to pull. Hits it straight down the throat of Jacob Duffy at fine leg, who takes a nice reverse cup catch.
16.1Short one, on middle, Babar Azam times his pull beautifully but straight to deep square leg for a single.
15.6A tad bit short and on the pads, Abdullah Shafique clips it through mid-wicket for a brace.
15.5Drifting into middle and leg, Abdullah Shafique tucks it to mid-wicket.
15.4Dealing in singles and quite easily at the moment! Tossed up, on off, Babar Azam works it to long on and rotates the strike over.
15.3Full and on middle, Abdullah Shafique steps down the track and eases it to long on for a run.
15.2Tossed up, on off, Babar Azam drives it to long on for a single.
15.1Slanting on leg, Abdullah Shafique helps it on its way with a sweep to fine leg for one.
14.6Lands it on a back of a length, on off, Abdullah Shafique knocks it to the right of backward point and takes a run.
14.5Length, on off, Abdullah Shafique taps it to backward point.
14.4Width offered outside off, fuller in length, Babar Azam reaches for it and cuts it to deep backward point for one.
14.3Angles it into the pads, on a length, Abdullah Shafique clips it to square leg and picks up a single.
14.2Full again, just around off, Abdullah Shafique pushes it to cover.
14.1Full and on off, Babar Azam taps it to the off side and takes a single.
13.6Slows it up, full and on off, turns in. Babar Azam uses his feet to play at it but gets hit on the pads as the ball rolls towards cover-point. They cross.
13.5Flighted, full and on middle, Abdullah Shafique swipes it through square leg for one.
13.4Short and on middle, Babar Azam punches it to long on for a single.
13.3Flatter, full and on middle, turns in a bit, Babar Azam goes down to sweep but misses. It was not far away from the stumps.
13.2Floated, full and on middle, Babar Azam uses his feet and clips it to short mid-wicket.
13.1Tossed up, full and on leg, Babar Azam tucks it to short mid-wicket.
Drinks! Pakistan are off to a solid start, and this partnership is shaping up beautifully, just what they needed in pursuit of this challenging total. Both batters look well-set, showing composure as they build a strong foundation. So far, the pitch hasn’t shown any demons, and Pakistan will be eager to capitalize, taking the game deep while keeping wickets in hand. New Zealand, on the other hand, have been disciplined with the ball but haven’t found the breakthroughs they were looking for. To shift the momentum, they’ll need to tighten the screws with dot balls and build some real pressure. A crucial middle phase is on the cards.
12.6On a length and on off, Babar Azam steers it to third man for one.
12.5Close! Hits the length hard, on middle, Abdullah Shafique looks to play but gets a bottom edge just past the stumps towards short fine. They cross.
12.4Bangs this into the pitch, on off, Babar Azam punches it through covers for a run.
12.3Hard length and around off, Abdullah Shafique guides it to third man for a single.
12.2Back of a length and on off, Abdullah Shafique dabs it to point.
12.1Short of a length and on off, Abdullah Shafique stabs it towards covers.
11.6Short and on leg, Abdullah Shafique nudges it to deep mid-wicket for one. That also brings up the 50-run partnership between these two batters.
11.5A bit quicker, full and on off, Babar Azam taps it towards covers for one.
11.4A big shout for LBW, but turned down! Flighted, full and on middle, turns in. Babar Azam sets out to fend but misses and gets hit on the pads. Michael Bracewell thinks about the review but does not take it.
11.3FOUR! Streaky! Flatter, short and on middle, Babar Azam stays back to cut but gets an outside edge to the third man fence for a boundary.
11.2SIX! Excellent use of the feet! Floated, full and around middle. Babar Azam dances down the track to get to the pitch of it and tonls it over the bowler's head for a biggie.
11.1Tossed up, full and on middle, Abdullah Shafique eases it towards long on for a single.
10.6Good length and on off, Babar Azam works it off the inner half of the bat to mid on.
10.5Fuller and around off, Babar Azam drives it firmly through covers for a brace.
10.4Uppish but safe! Short of a length and on middle, Abdullah Shafique looks to pull but mistimes it just over mid-wikcet for a run.
10.3Full and on the pads, Babar Azam clips it through square leg for a single.
10.2On a length and on off, Babar Azam blocks it to the off side.
10.2Pitched up and angling into the leg side, Babar Azam misses his flick as the ball goes off his pads to the keeper. However, the umpire calls it a wide.
10.1Fuller one and around off, Babar Azam looks to drive but gets it from the bottom edge back towards the bowler.
9.6Slows it up, full and on middle, Abdullah Shafique turns it to the leg side.
9.5Quicker, full and on off, Abdullah Shafique blocks it out.
9.4Looped up, full and on middle, Babar Azam uses his feet and drills it to long on for a single.
9.3Floated, full and on middle, Babar Azam pushes it down the pitch.
9.2Flatter, short and on middle, Babar Azam moves back and pats it to short mid-wicket.
9.1Tossed up, full and on middle, Babar Azam tucks it to short mid-wicket.
End of Powerply 1. New Zealand are allowed up to 4 fielders outside the 30-yard circle until the 34th over. Michael Bracewell comes into the attack now.
8.6On a length and on off, Abdullah Shafique pats it to short covers.
8.5Fuller one and on off, Abdullah Shafique knocks it towards mid on.
8.4Hits the length hard and on off, Abdullah Shafique looks to punch it away but gets a bottom edge onto his pads.
8.3BEATEN! Good-length delivery, on off, nips back in sharply, Abdullah Shafique looks to play at it but gets beaten on the inside edge.
8.2Back of a length and on off, Abdullah Shafique blocks it out as the ball bounces off the pitch and hits his bat again but goes nowhere.
8.2Short of a length but way outside off, Abdullah Shafique leaves it alone. Wided.
8.1Fuller and on off, Babar Azam drives it to mid off for a single.
News from the Pakistan Dugout - Imam-ul-Haq has been ruled out of the game due to a concussion and Usman Khan steps in as his substitute. Also, Ben Sears comes into the attack as the first bowling change.
7.6Back of a length and on off, Abdullah Shafique stays back and blocks it out.
7.5Swing and a miss! Jacob Duffy bangs this one into the pitch, on middle, gets some extra bounce. Abdullah Shafique backs away and slashes at it but misses.
7.4Short of a length and on off, Abdullah Shafique dabs it to point.
7.3FOUR! Lovely shot! Jacob Duffy goes a bit too full, on middle, angling in, Abdullah Shafique presents the full face of the bat and plays the on-drive to perfection towards the long on fence for a boundary.
7.2Touch fuller and on off, Abdullah Shafique strides out and blocks it out towards point.
7.1Hard length and on middle, Abdullah Shafique pats it to mid-wicket.
6.6Goes fuller and on the pads, Abdullah Shafique looks to flick it but gets an inside edge onto the pads. There is a mild appeal for LBW but is not given by the umpire.
6.6WIDE! Sprays it down the leg side on a full length, Abdullah Shafique swings at it but misses. The keeper Mitchell Hay does well to make a dive to his left to collect the ball to save a couple of runs for his side. Still, a wide is called.
6.5Dragged length, around off, Abdullah Shafique defends it to cover.
6.4BEAUTY! Hard length and around off, nips away for a bit, Abdullah Shafique gets squared up in his defence and gets beaten on the outside edge.
6.4WIDE! Hits the deck hard with a short-of-a-length ball, but down the leg side, Abdullah Shafique looks to pull it but misses. Called a wide.
6.3Nagging length, around off, Abdullah Shafique drops it down to cover.
6.2FOUR! CHIPPED! Touch full and on the pads, angling in, Abdullah Shafique picks it up and flicks it aerially over the mid-wicket fielder for a boundary.
6.1Back of a length, around off, Abdullah Shafique pats it down to cover.
5.6On a good length but on the pads, Babar Azam flicks it past the mid on fielder, who gives it a chase and cuts it off for a couple of runs.
5.5Hard length and around off, Babar drops it down to cover.
5.4FOUR! PUNISHED! Back of a length and around leg, Babar Azam stands tall and whips it to deep backward square leg for a boundary.
5.3Full and around off, Babar Azam drives it back to the bowler who stops it on his follow-through.
5.2Nagging length, around off, jags back in sharply, Babar Azam gets beaten on the inside edge and wears it on the back pad after getting deflected off the gloves.
5.1Full and around middle, Babar Azam flicks it to mid on.
4.6Dragged length, just outside off, Abdullah Shafique pats it down to backward point.
4.5On a length and wide outside off, just over the tramline, Abdullah Shafique doesn't offer any shot at it. He looks at the umpire for a wide call but the umpire is convinced that it is a legal ball.
4.4Nagging length and outside off, with pace taken off, Abdullah Shafique chops it out to cover off the back foot.
4.3Back of a length, around off, with an extra bounce, Abdullah Shafique gets squared up as he looks to defend it but gets a thick outside edge towards cover point.
4.2Hard length and outside off, Babar Azam throws his hands at it and looks to cut but gets it through the outer half of the bat to deep third man aerially for a single.
4.2WIDE! Sprays it down the leg side, slightly fuller and comes back in, Babar Azam leaves it. Called a wide.
4.1On a good length and outside off, Babar Azam leaves it alone.
3.6FOUR! GOOD SHOT! Touch full from Duffy, around off, Abdullah Shafique comes forward and drives it to the left of the bowler aerially. Duffy tries to take a catch by extending his left arm but he fails to do so and the ball goes to the boundary.
3.5Hard length, around off, nips back in sharply, Abdullah Shafique looks to flick it but gets beaten on the inside edge and wears it on the box.
3.4A bumper, angling into the body of the batter, Abdullah Shafique ducks under it.
3.3Nagging length and around off and middle, Abdullah nudges it to mid-wicket.
3.2Dragged length and outside off, Abdullah Shafique looks to drive it on the up but gets beaten on the outside edge.
3.1Nice and full, but on the pads, touch straight from Duffy, Abdullah Shafique leans on and flicks it in the gap towards mid-wicket. The fielder gives it a chase and cuts it off to restrict the batters for a couple of runs.
2.6Short and wide of outside off, Babar looks to cut it but gets it through the bottom part of the bat to cover.
2.5Good Effort! Short of a length and wide outside off, Abdullah Shafique hops up and cuts it off late towards deep third man. Ben Sears runs in to his right and puts in a dive to save one run. Three runs taken
2.5WIDE! Slightly fuller but down the leg side, Abdullah Shafique misses his flick shot and the keeper collects it to his left with a good dive.
2.4Good carry to the keeper! Back of a length and well outside off, Abdullah Shafique looks to play it at first but withdraws his shot in the end.
Halt! A very bizarre incident on the field! While taking the run, the fielder's throw got inside the helmet of Imam-ul-Haq and hit his jaw. The physio is in to check on him, but he looks in some discomfort here. He looks zoned out, and once he tried to stand up, he lost his balance and fell. The umpires have called in for the stretcher, and this is not a good sign. However, the positive thing is he got up to get in the mini ambulance, and we hope that it is nothing serious.
Babar Azam walks out to bat at number 3.
2.3A tight single! Dragged length and around off, Imam-ul-Haq taps it down towards cover and runs off for a quick single. The fielder picks it up and makes a throw to the non-striker's end, but it has hit Imam on his jaw under the grill of the helmet, and he looks in pain.
2.2BEATEN! A bit fuller and just outside off, nips back in after pitching, Imam-ul-Haq goes for an expansive drive but gets beaten on the inside edge.
2.1Touch full but wide outside off, Imam-ul-Haq leaves it alone.
1.6Nagging length, around off, Abdullah Shafique drops it down to cover.
1.5JAFFA! On a good length and around off, angling in at first but it seams away after pitching a bit. Abdullah Shafique comes forward to defend it but gets squared up. He gets beaten on the outside edge in the end.
1.4Hard length and around leg, Abdullah Shafique nudges it wide of deep fine leg and picks up a couple of runs.
1.3Much fuller and around off, Abdullah Shafique flicks it to mid on.
1.2Slightly fuller but on the pads, Abdullah Shafique tucks it to mid-wicket.
1.1Begins with a good-length ball, outside off, shaping away, Abdullah Shafique shoulders his arms on it.
Jacob Duffy to share the attack.
0.6Short of a length, around off. Imam-ul-Haq drops it down towards cover and wants to have a quick single but is sent back by his partner through halfway.
0.5Back of a length and outside off, Imam-ul-Haq leaves it.
0.4On a good length, on the fourth stump, Imam-ul-Haq shoulders his arms on it.
0.3Nagging length, in the channel outside off, Imam-ul-Haq watches it carefully and decides to not offer any shot at it.
0.3WIDE! Sprays it down the leg side, on a hard length, Imam-ul-Haq misses his tickle shot. Called a wide.
0.2Pakistan and Abdullah Shafique are underway! Short of a length and well outside off, Abdullah Shafique hops up and opens bat face to cut it off late. The ball goes towards deep third on the bounce for a single.
0.1Starts with a back-of-a-length ball, outside off, seaming away, Abdullah Shafique leaves it alone.
| Index | Price | Change | % Chg |
|---|---|---|---|
Nifty 50 | 25960.55 | -225.90 | -0.86 |
BSE Sensex | 85102.69 | -609.68 | -0.71 |
Nifty Bank | 59238.55 | -538.65 | -0.90 |
Nifty IT | 38590.70 | -112.95 | -0.29 |
BSE SmallCap | 49967.14 | -1,126.09 | -2.20 |
| Rank | Team | Points | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Australia | 3732 | 124 |
| 2 | South Africa | 3581 | 116 |
| 3 | England | 4469 | 112 |
| 4 | India | 4064 | 104 |
| 5 | New Zealand | 2409 | 96 |
| 6 | Sri Lanka | 2364 | 88 |
| 7 | Pakistan | 2050 | 82 |
| 8 | West Indies | 2036 | 70 |
| 9 | Bangladesh | 1888 | 63 |
| 10 | Ireland | 185 | 23 |
| 11 | Zimbabwe | 208 | 12 |
| 12 | Afghanistan | 62 | 10 |
| Rank | Team | Points | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | India | 5089 | 121 |
| 2 | New Zealand | 4956 | 113 |
| 3 | Australia | 4134 | 109 |
| 4 | Pakistan | 4294 | 105 |
| 5 | Sri Lanka | 4392 | 100 |
| 6 | South Africa | 4022 | 98 |
| 7 | Afghanistan | 2657 | 95 |
| 8 | England | 3432 | 86 |
| 9 | West Indies | 3173 | 77 |
| 10 | Bangladesh | 2882 | 76 |
| 11 | Zimbabwe | 1291 | 54 |
| 12 | Ireland | 938 | 52 |
| 13 | Scotland | 1522 | 46 |
| 14 | USA | 1668 | 44 |
| 15 | Netherlands | 1425 | 40 |
| 16 | Oman | 886 | 35 |
| 17 | Nepal | 959 | 27 |
| 18 | Namibia | 707 | 21 |
| 19 | Canada | 357 | 16 |
| 20 | United Arab Emirates | 396 | 11 |
| Rank | Team | Points | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | India | 18251 | 272 |
| 2 | Australia | 11199 | 267 |
| 3 | England | 11609 | 258 |
| 4 | New Zealand | 13318 | 251 |
| 5 | South Africa | 11751 | 240 |
| 6 | West Indies | 14424 | 236 |
| 7 | Pakistan | 17149 | 235 |
| 8 | Sri Lanka | 10951 | 228 |
| 9 | Bangladesh | 14925 | 223 |
| 10 | Afghanistan | 9895 | 220 |
| 11 | Ireland | 7438 | 201 |
| 12 | Zimbabwe | 13190 | 200 |
| 13 | Netherlands | 6366 | 182 |
| 14 | Scotland | 4178 | 182 |
| 15 | Namibia | 6344 | 181 |
| 16 | United Arab Emirates | 10584 | 176 |
| 17 | Nepal | 7384 | 176 |
| 18 | USA | 5769 | 175 |
| 19 | Canada | 5374 | 154 |
| 20 | Oman | 7140 | 152 |
| 21 | Uganda | 7952 | 142 |
| 22 | Papua New Guinea | 2718 | 136 |
| 23 | Kuwait | 5441 | 130 |
| 24 | Hong Kong | 6602 | 127 |
| 25 | Malaysia | 6847 | 124 |
| 26 | Bahrain | 8079 | 119 |
| 27 | Jersey | 2819 | 117 |
| 28 | Italy | 1725 | 115 |
| 29 | Qatar | 4666 | 114 |
| 30 | Spain | 2478 | 113 |
| 31 | Bermuda | 3040 | 113 |
| 32 | Saudi Arabia | 4245 | 109 |
| 33 | Kenya | 5074 | 106 |
| 34 | Tanzania | 4082 | 100 |
| 35 | Germany | 1924 | 87 |
| 36 | Nigeria | 3733 | 79 |
| 37 | Singapore | 2844 | 77 |
| 38 | Guernsey | 2071 | 77 |
| 39 | Cayman Islands | 1921 | 74 |
| 40 | Austria | 4054 | 71 |
| 41 | Denmark | 1262 | 70 |
| 42 | Norway | 2095 | 70 |
| 43 | Portugal | 1333 | 67 |
| 44 | Japan | 2518 | 66 |
| 45 | Belgium | 2059 | 57 |
| 46 | Cambodia | 1365 | 57 |
| 47 | Argentina | 745 | 50 |
| 48 | Switzerland | 1086 | 49 |
| 49 | Finland | 1130 | 49 |
| 50 | Sweden | 1048 | 48 |
| 51 | Malawi | 2019 | 47 |
| 52 | Botswana | 1547 | 47 |
| 53 | Isle of Man | 604 | 46 |
| 54 | France | 1109 | 46 |
| 55 | Thailand | 1690 | 46 |
| 56 | Romania | 1544 | 45 |
| 57 | Bahamas | 972 | 42 |
| 58 | Czechia | 911 | 41 |
| 59 | Cook Islands | 552 | 39 |
| 60 | Rwanda | 2576 | 38 |
| 61 | Philippines | 827 | 38 |
| 62 | Fiji | 387 | 35 |
| 63 | Vanuatu | 561 | 35 |
| 64 | Cyprus | 789 | 33 |
| 65 | Indonesia | 2128 | 32 |
| 66 | Ghana | 570 | 30 |
| 67 | Hungary | 971 | 29 |
| 68 | Samoa | 672 | 29 |
| 69 | Estonia | 665 | 28 |
| 70 | Malta | 1085 | 26 |
| 71 | Mozambique | 518 | 26 |
| 72 | Swaziland | 491 | 26 |
| 73 | Israel | 178 | 25 |
| 74 | Sierra Leone | 471 | 22 |
| 75 | Panama | 318 | 21 |
| 76 | Belize | 164 | 21 |
| 77 | Gibraltar | 494 | 19 |
| 78 | Luxembourg | 432 | 18 |
| 79 | Costa Rica | 218 | 17 |
| 80 | Mexico | 287 | 16 |
| 81 | Bhutan | 342 | 16 |
| 82 | Suriname | 119 | 15 |
| 83 | Serbia | 315 | 11 |
| 84 | Maldives | 214 | 10 |
| 85 | Cameroon | 86 | 8 |
| 86 | Brazil | 90 | 8 |
| 87 | Bulgaria | 191 | 7 |
| 88 | Myanmar | 144 | 6 |
| 89 | Korea | 94 | 6 |
| 90 | St.Helena | 44 | 6 |
| 91 | China | 29 | 5 |
| 92 | Lesotho | 24 | 2 |
| 93 | Turkiye | 26 | 2 |
| 94 | Gambia | 6 | 1 |
| 95 | Slovenia | 0 | 0 |
| 95 | Seychelles | 0 | 0 |
| 95 | Mali | 0 | 0 |
| 95 | Greece | 0 | 0 |
| 95 | Croatia | 0 | 0 |
| 95 | Mongolia | 0 | 0 |
| 95 | Timor-Leste | 0 | 0 |
Play In Progress 
