Before the Twenty20 World Cup, Finn Allen demonstrated his form by leading the scoring for New Zealand in their tri-series victory over Pakistan on Tuesday in Christchurch, which they won by a margin of nine wickets. At Hagley Oval, the Black Caps quickly chased down 130-7 to secure their second series victory. Allen hammered six sixes in a total of 62 off 42 balls.
Following the triumph by the hosts, Pakistan and New Zealand now have two victories and one loss. The Black Caps’ next opponent will be Bangladesh on Wednesday in Christchurch.
During the week-long competition, the three countries are practicing for the T20 World Cup in Australia later this month.
Before Allen and Devon Conway immediately found their groove in an opening stand of 117 to set up the victory, the Black Caps improved their bowling performance in retaliation for their setback to Pakistan on Saturday.
The Black Caps captain Kane Williamson took Allen’s position at the crease when Mohammad Rizwan stumped him and finally scored the winning single as New Zealand triumphed with 23 balls remaining.
Conway was again outstanding at the crease, scoring an unbeaten 49 off 46 balls after leading New Zealand to win over Bangladesh last Sunday with an unbeaten 70.
Pakistan was permitted to take refuge with neither a bat nor a ball.
With crucial dismissals of the ruthless opening combination of Rizwan (16) and skipper Babar Azam (21), New Zealand bowler Michael Bracewell once again won the game’s player of the match award. Bracewell finished with impressive stats of two for 11 from his four overs.
Iftikhar Ahmed led the way with 27, including three fours.
In the last over, Iftikhar and Mohammad Nawaz were bowled out by Tim Southee’s first two deliveries, while Mohammad Wasim survived the hat-trick ball.
