Shadab, Zaman star as Pakistan seal series

Shadab Khan and Fakhar Zaman starred for Pakistan as they defeated New Zealand in the third and final Twenty20 International by 18 runs and sealed the series 2-1 in Mount Maunganui on Sunday (January 28). With this result, they dethrone New Zealand to reach the top spot in the ICC T20I rankings. Set 182, Martin Guptill's half-century wasn't enough as all the hosts could manage just 163.

Even before the clash, Pakistan were dealt with an unkind cut when Hasan Ali was ruled out of the contest. The pacer twisted his ankle on the eve of the game and failed to recover in time. Opting to bat, Pakistan lost Ahmed Shehzad early but another impressive knock from Fakhar Zaman helped them stay on course.

Zaman made 46 off 36 before he fell to Mitchell Santner when he was caught at midwicket by Tom Bruce. There was some controversy as replays suggested that the ball had bounced but with no clarity, the third umpire was forced to go with the on-field decision once the soft signal came as out.

Haris Sohail (20 off 12), Umar Amin (21 off 7) and Aamer Yamin (15 off 6) propped up the side with some late hitting and take the team over the 180-run mark. Ish Sodhi went for 47 from his four overs for two wickets while Santner picked up 2 for 24.

With a score on board, Pakistan bowlers had the much-needed cushion ahead of the chase. Shadab ended his night with 4-0-19-2 to break the New Zealand challenge. With Colin Munro out, Kane Williamson was forced to open. The New Zealand captain struggled to get going and fell after a 14-ball 9.

Anaru Kitchen made 16 off 19 before he fell to the legspinner leaving New Zealand at 84 for 2 in the 13th overs. All this while, Guptill had been denting Pakistan with his big hitting. However, Shadab had him caught at midwicket in the very same over to leave the hosts wobbling at 87 for 3.

Ross Taylor, though, came out all guns blazing to put Pakistan on the backfoot. He raced to 21 off seven to put the bowlers under pressure and revive the run chase. But Mohammad Amir dismissed Taylor to end any hopes the hosts had.

Brief scores: Pakistan 181/6 in 20 overs (Fakhar Zaman 46; Mitchell Santner 2-24) beat New Zealand 163/6 in 20 overs (Martin Guptill 59; Shadab Khan 2-19) by 18 runs.