In a bid to claim victory and secure the series, New Zealand skipper Michael Bracewell won the toss and elected to bowl first in the fifth and final T20 International against Pakistan at Lahore’s historic Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday.
Sports: New Zealand elect to bowl first in fifth T20I against Pakistan. The decision came after a series of nail-biting encounters between the two teams, with New Zealand currently leading the series 2-1. With both sides eager to clinch the win, the stage was set for a thrilling showdown under the floodlights.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the captains, Babar Azam and Michael Bracewell, stepped onto the pitch for the toss, amidst the fervent anticipation of cricket fans gathered at the iconic venue.
Pakistan, seeking redemption after suffering narrow defeats in the previous encounters, made a strategic change to their playing XI, bringing in the talented pacer Shaheen Afridi in place of Zaman Khan.
Meanwhile, New Zealand bolstered their squad with the inclusion of Tim Seifert, Cole McConchie, and Zakary Foulkes, aiming to maintain their momentum and clinch the series victory on foreign soil.
In a series marked by intense competition and dramatic twists, both teams understood the significance of the final match. With Pakistan’s hopes of clinching the series dwindling, they entered the contest with a steely resolve to salvage pride and end on a high note.
Recalling the heart-stopping fourth T20I, where Pakistan fell agonizingly short of chasing down the target, the Green Shirts remained determined to rectify their mistakes and finish the series on a positive note.
In the previous encounter, New Zealand posted a formidable total of 178/7, with Pakistan’s valiant chase culminating in a final score of 174/8. Despite the efforts of all-rounder Imad Wasim, who showcased resilience in the final overs, Pakistan fell short by a narrow margin, leaving the series finely poised.
With the fate of the series hanging in the balance, cricket enthusiasts around the world awaited the outcome of the fifth T20I with bated breath, anticipating another thrilling chapter in the enthralling contest between Pakistan and New Zealand.
As the players took their positions on the field, the stage was set for a captivating showdown, where every run and wicket would be crucial in determining the ultimate victor in this gripping series.
The clash at Gaddafi Stadium promised to deliver an evening of high-octane cricket, as both teams battled for supremacy and the coveted series trophy.
The cricketing world held its breath as the final chapter of Pakistan vs. New Zealand T20I series unfolded under the floodlights of Lahore, promising an exhilarating spectacle for fans and spectators alike.
Read More: New Zealand clinch T20I series lead Against Pakistan
Playing XIs
Pakistan: Babar Azam (c), Saim Ayub, Usman Khan (wk), Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim, Shaheen Afridi, Usama Mir, Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir
New Zealand: Michael Bracewell (c), Tom Blundell, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Zak Foulkes, Cole McConchie, James Neesham, Will O’Rourke, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert (wk), Ish Sodhi
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