T20 cricket was played on both sides of the border on Thursday night. In Pakistan and India. With two very different innings. The bat shattered T20 batting records in Delhi during the Capitals vs. Sunrisers Hyderabad IPL match.
In the batting department, however, the situation was very different in Rawalpindi. As New Zealand’s innings collapsed to a mere ninety runs. Pakistan’s bowlers took advantage of a wicket that was ideal for bowling. This frightened the batters of New Zealand as Sunrisers Hyderabad hammered home boundaries and sixes.
Smart & Powerful Bowling By Pakistani Bowlers
In Rawalpindi, Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Shaheen Shah Afridi and Muhammad Amir, created a masterpiece of bowling. Pakistan elected to bowl first, and their excellent combination of pace and spin utterly devastated the New Zealand batting order.
Amir’s deft use of slower deliveries along with Afridi’s pace adjustments left the hitters in New Zealand guessing. The tone was established by Shadab Khan’s excellent fielding early on, as Pakistan’s bowlers hit at regular intervals to keep New Zealand from ever settling.
As the innings continued, it could be seen that the Rawalpindi pitch favoured the bowlers by giving them turns and grip. These conditions were exploited by Pakistan’s spinners, particularly Abrar Ahmed, who was making his debut.
Abrar broke the spine of New Zealand’s batting lineup with two wickets in the first over he bowled. First, he had Mark Chapman, who made 19 with three boundaries, caught at deep square leg. Then James Neesham was caught at short mid-wicket two deliveries later.
Another change in pace gave Amir his second wicket. Dean Foxcroft (13) departed after holing to Babar at mid-off. This hit a six off the pacer two balls earlier. New Zealand ended the powerplay at 35-3.
Shadab then accounted for Michael Bracewell. The New Zealand skipper was undone by a quicker one to leave the tourists at 59-6. The Black Caps resisted further losses for a brief period. But Shaheen returned to clean up Cole McConchie (15) with a searing yorker and Ish Sodhi’s attempt to go big saw him fall lbw to Shadab soon after.
Naseem got his only wicket when Ben Sears found Babar at mid-off. And Shaheen ended New Zealand’s innings with another sizzling yorker. That hit Ben Lister’s off-stump.
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Rizwan’s Aggressive Batting in Pak vs. NZ
Mohammad Rizwan’s cool-headed innings in the face of a low target ensured Pakistan won easily. In spite of an early blow, Rizwan carried Pakistan to a decisive victory with plenty of overs remaining thanks to an outstanding 45 not out to start the innings.
Rizwan’s systematic approach, reinforced by contributions from Babar Azam and others, perfectly captured Pakistan’s supremacy in the game. Pakistan established a 1-0 lead in the series with a commanding win, and the upcoming games should be thrilling.
Cricket fans saw a thrilling show as players demonstrated their versatility. And the sport’s unexpected nature in the face of varying scenarios throughout the various Twenty20 matches.
The matches reminded supporters of their happiness. Plus, the thrill that Twenty20 cricket brings to spectators worldwide. Everywhere, from Rawalpindi’s bowling prowess to Delhi’s batting fireworks.
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About the Author
Zartash Zulfiqar is a passionate cricket writer with a love for cricket that shines through in every word. From match analyses to player profiles, she delivers insightful commentary that resonates with fans worldwide. Stay tuned for the latest from the world of cricket, brought to you by Zartash.
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