Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Ramiz Raja was on cloud nine after the Men in Green defeated hosts New Zealand in the T20I tri-series final on October 14, 2022, and pocketed the Bangla Wash trophy.
Babar Azam started off well by winning the toss and choosing to chase, their forte. Kane Williamson top-scored with 59 in 38 balls as New Zealand posted 163/7 in 20 overs. Apart from the Kiwi captain, Glenn Phillips (29) and Mark Chapman (25) also contributed.
Naseem Shah (2/38) and Haris Rauf (2/22) were the main wicket-takers for Pakistan.
In reply, Babar Azam fell for 15 runs, while Rizwan managed only 34 runs. Despite being in trouble, the trio of Mohammad Nawaz, Haider Ali, and Iftikhar Ahmed played scintillating knocks to take Pakistan over the line in the last over.
Nawaz made 38* in 22 balls with 2 fours and 3 sixes, Haider made 31 in 15 balls with 3 fours and 2 sixes and Iftikhar made 25* in 14 balls with one four and one six as Pakistan won by 5 wickets in hand and 3 balls to spare.
Mohammad Nawaz was named the Player of the Match for his 38* and one wicket, while Michel Bracewell of New Zealand was named the Player of the series for his 8 wickets in the tri-series.
In the aftermath of the series, PCB chief Ramiz Raja was ecstatic and shared his joy on Twitter while lauding the Pakistani team.
He tweeted: “Method, flair, and temperament! Great win Pakistan.”
Captain Babar Azam was much subdued in his congratulatory post which read: “Good series to win before the WC. Off to Australia”
Batting coach Mohammad Yousuf was all praises for his batting unit and told them keep up the good work. “SHABASH boys! You are doing great. I know you are trying very hard. Keep up the good performance,” he tweeted.
Pakistan will now play a warmup match against England in Brisbane on October 17 and against Afghanistan on October 19 ahead of the T20 World Cup 2022 opening match against India in MCG on October 23.
