Despite the absence of skipper Kane Williamson, the New Zealand side were able to comprehensively defeat Pakistan in the third T20I by 45 runs. With this win, they have now taken an invincible lead of 3-0. The Pakistan team has faced challenges in regaining their form in the T20 format.
In the third T20I, New Zealand opener Finn Allen set multiple records by scoring a century. His remarkable innings surpassed the previous record held by former captain Brendon McCullum for the highest T20I score by a New Zealand batter. Finn Allen’s innings also place him in fifth position for all-time individual T20I scores. Additionally, this marks the first instance of a New Zealand batter hitting more than 10 sixes in a T20I innings, surpassing the previous records held by Corey Anderson and Colin Munro, each with ten sixes in 2017 and 2018, respectively.
The majestic hand batter achieved his second T20I century, having previously scored 74 off 41 balls in the preceding match. The right-handed batsman reached his century in just 48 deliveries, marking the third-fastest T20I century by a New Zealand batter. Glenn Phillips currently holds the record for the fastest T20I century by a Kiwi, achieving it in 46 deliveries. In addition to it, he hit 16 sixes in the innings. It was courtesy of his innings and directionless bowling from Pakistan which led the hosts’ score a massive 224/7 in their 20 overs.
Babar Azam has scored three consecutive half-centuries
In pursuit of the mammoth target, the Pakistan team did not have the best of starts as they lost the wicket of Saim Ayub in the fourth over of the game. However, wickets fell consistently around Babar Azam, with Fakhar Zaman, Azam Khan, and Iftikhar Ahmed failing to make substantial contributions. As the required run rate increased, Babar Azam tried to accelerate but was dismissed by Ish Sodhi in the 16th over.
Despite commendable cameos from Mohammad Nawaz and Shaheen Shah Afridi towards the end, Pakistan fell short of the target, concluding with 179 for 7 in their allotted 20 overs. New Zealand’s bowlers, led by spinners Santner and Sodhi, played a crucial role in restricting the visitors. With this triumph, New Zealand secured the T20I series, establishing an unassailable 3-0 lead.
The teams are scheduled to face off again at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Friday, January 19, for the fourth match of the series. The Black Caps will aim to maintain their dominance, while Pakistan will seek to salvage pride in the remaining encounters. Let us look at how Twitter has reacted to this loss from the Pakistan team;
Pakistan will be going to lose this series by 5-0
— Kirkett (@bhaskar_sanu08) January 17, 2024
Congratulations??? Kiwi ?
Hard luck??? For Pakistan??
Next match me 250+ loading for Pace Bowling?— Ajay Gautam (@gautam_ajay007) January 17, 2024
Kiwis are preparing them ready for the World Cup?
— Babu K (@Babu_K_08) January 17, 2024
Rough patch going on for Pakistan in all formats. Hope they come out of this soon.
— Talha PCTFAN (@PctTalha) January 17, 2024
Congratulations New Zealand well played
— Muneer Hussain (@MuneerSheikh42) January 17, 2024
This reaction sums up Pakistan's batting in this series. pic.twitter.com/TjCMt8MmSc
— ????? (@CallMeSheri1) January 17, 2024
Match warr gya padosiyo ?? pic.twitter.com/eSZq7G4NFl
— Pankaj (@Pankaj41627) January 17, 2024
Good ???
— Priyanka (@Pinky209E) January 17, 2024
Zimbu for a reason ?
— Sankott (@Iamsankot) January 17, 2024
