Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi help Pakistan draw T20I series vs New Zealand

Babar Azam hit a half century while seamer Shaheen Shah Afridi took four wickets as Pakistan overcame New Zealand by nine runs in the fifth and final T20I in Lahore on Saturday. As a result, the series finished 2-2 with the opener washed out.

The first match of the series was abandoned due to rain while Pakistan clinched the second and New Zealand the third by identical seven-wicket margins – all in Rawalpindi.

New Zealand took the fourth match, also in Lahore, by four runs.

Azam’s 44-ball 69 and Fakhar Zaman’s 33-ball 43 took Pakistan to 178/5 before Shaheen claimed 4/30 to restrict New Zealand to 169 in 19.2 overs.

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Pakistan only got past the winning line in the final over with 12 needed as Josh Clarkson 38 not out threatened to pull off a heist, but two run outs in Mohammad Amir’s over sealed the win for the hosts at the Gaddafi Stadium.

The series gave both teams a kickstart to their preparations for the T20 World Cup in the United States and the West Indies in June. Albeit New Zealand were without a significant number of first choice players due to their participation in the Indian Premier League (IPL) or injuries.

Pakistan, though, would be disappointed not to have won a series against a depleted New Zealand side who got a boost from their bench strength.

Afridi gave Pakistan an ideal start by dismissing Tom Blundell for four in his first over – his 15th wicket in his opening over of a T20I – and 50th in all T20 matches.

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Tim Seifert put New Zealand back on track with an aggressive 33-ball 52 – his ninth T20I half century containing seven boundaries and two sixes.

He added 76 for the second wicket with skipper Micheal Bracewell (23) but New Zealand crashed from 81/1 to 130/5 - losing four wickets in the space of 25 balls for the addition of just 22 runs.

Leg-spinner Usama Mir (2-21) accounted for Seifert and Mark Chapman (12) while fellow spinner Shadab Khan dismissed Bracewell as New Zealand’s chase was derailed.

Shaheen returned for a second spell to dismiss James Neesham (16), Zak Foulkes (nought) and Ish Sodhi (three) in successive overs.

Azam said he used different combinations to test the squad strength ahead of the World Cup.

“Look, throughout the series we tried different combinations and we wanted to see where our bench strength stands,” said Azam.

“There are many good signs but we won’t be complacent and will focus on improvement which is crucial in international cricket.”

Bracewell was delighted that his team came out all-square.

“Pretty fair reflection of the series, pretty happy with coming over here and learning how to play in these conditions,” said Bracewell who captained New Zealand for the first time.

“Credit to Pakistan, they played really well today.”

Earlier, Azam continued undeterred despite losing opening partner Saim Ayub cheaply. The Pakistan captain added 73 for the second wicket with Usman Khan who made a brisk 24-ball 31.

Azam hit six boundaries and two sixes in his 34th T20I half-century before he was bowled by pacer Ben Sears in the 15th over.

Zaman hit four boundaries and a six before he was smartly caught by Chapman on the boundary off Foulkes as Pakistan managed 55 in the last five overs.

Shadab Khan hit a six and a four in his five-ball 15 not out.

New Zealand made three changes as they brought back Seifert, Cole McConchie and Foulkes while pace spearhead Shaheen returned for the home team.

(with inputs from AFP)