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Sanju Samson’s Huge Six Accidentally Hits Female Fan | WATCH

November 16, 2024, 3:01 pm

India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson hit a massive six during the fourth T20I against South Africa on Friday, unintentionally striking a female fan in the crowd. The fan, visibly distressed, was left in tears after being hit on the face by the ball. The incident occurred in the 10th over when Samson smashed a towering six off Tristan Stubbs over deep mid-wicket. Medical assistance was provided as the woman was given ice for her injury. Samson, visibly apologetic upon realizing the fan was hurt, gained praise online as the video of the incident went viral.

Watch:

Wishing a quick recovery for the injured fan! ??

Keep watching the 4th #SAvIND T20I LIVE on #JioCinema, #Sports18 & #ColorsCineplex ?#JioCinemaSports pic.twitter.com/KMtBnOa1Hj

— JioCinema (@JioCinema) November 15, 2024

In the match, India secured a dominant 135-run victory over South Africa, clinching the four-match series 3-1. Samson was in sensational form, smashing 9 sixes to score an unbeaten 109 off 56 balls. His efforts were complemented by Tilak Varma’s blistering 120 not out off just 47 balls, propelling India to a formidable 283 for 1 in 20 overs—their highest total in overseas conditions.

The innings saw several records tumble, including two Indian batters scoring centuries in the same T20I for the first time. Samson and Varma shared a record-breaking 210-run partnership for the second wicket off just 93 balls, marking the highest partnership for India in T20 Internationals.

During South Africa’s chase, Arshdeep Singh delivered a stunning opening spell, taking 3 wickets for 20 runs and reducing the hosts to 10 for 4. South Africa was eventually bowled out for 148 in 18.2 overs.

Samson’s century, his third in the last five T20I innings, came off 51 balls, while Varma achieved his milestone in just 41 balls. Interestingly, Samson’s recent performances also include two ducks, showcasing a rollercoaster form.

Why T20I Captain Suryakumar Yadav Missed The ODI Squad: Riyan Parag’s Inclusion Explained

July 19, 2024, 5:17 pm

Suryakumar Yadav’s exclusion from India’s ODI squad for the Sri Lanka tour highlights his recent struggles in the format, while Riyan Parag’s consistent domestic performances secure him spots in both T20I and ODI squads, marking significant selection surprises.

Suryakumar Yadav’s ODI Exclusion

Suryakumar Yadav, the T20I captain, did not make the cut for the ODI squad, despite his prominent role in the shorter format. His recent performances in ODIs have been underwhelming, with a notable struggle against pace bowling. Having averaged just 25.76 in 37 ODIs, his form during the recent 50-over World Cup highlighted these issues. With only six ODIs left before the Champions Trophy, the selectors decided to consider alternative players.

Riyan Parag’s Inclusion

In contrast, Riyan Parag has been selected for both the T20I and ODI squads. Known for his consistent performance in domestic cricket, particularly in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Parag’s versatile lower-order batting has earned him a spot in the teams. His adaptability and recent form have made him a valuable asset.

Team Dynamics and Future Plans

The upcoming tour to Sri Lanka, starting July 27, will include three T20Is and three ODIs. The BCCI selection committee has made some surprising choices for the squad, reflecting a strategic shift. Shubman Gill has been named vice-captain for both formats, positioning him as a future leadership candidate. Ravindra Jadeja’s future in ODIs is uncertain as he has already retired from T20Is, while Axar Patel and Washington Sundar are being considered for the all-rounder role.

Overall Strategy

The changes highlight a focus on building a team with fresh dynamics and preparing for future tournaments. With key players like Hardik Pandya also missing from the ODI squad, the selectors are concentrating on developing new talents and adjusting team composition for upcoming challenges.

“Can Be Better in All Three Departments”: Rovma Powel after WI Survive PNG Scare to Win T20 World Cup Opener

June 3, 2024, 5:19 am

West Indies captain Rovma Powell commended Papua New Guinea for their courageous performance and emphasized his team’s need for improvement in all facets of the game – bowling, batting, and fielding.

In a tightly contested match, PNG made West Indies toil for runs, presenting a stiff challenge while defending a modest total of 137. Sese Bau’s fifty and Kiplin Doriga’s influential 27*-run cameo propelled PNG to a competitive score of 136/8.

PNG’s disciplined bowling restricted West Indies, conceding little room for error. Powell acknowledged PNG’s resilience but conceded that his team allowed them to score “10 to 15 runs too much.”

Alzarri Joseph claimed two wickets but leaked runs, while Gudakesh Motie was expensive compared to other spinners.

In the chase, Roston Chase’s composed innings steered West Indies clear of an early upset. Chase’s well-timed knock of 42* off 27 deliveries, featuring four boundaries and two sixes, showcased his ability to handle pressure.

Powell praised Chase’s performance, highlighting his composure under pressure. With a winning start secured, Powell emphasized the team’s quest for improvement across all departments.

West Indies will next face Uganda on June 9 at the Providence Stadium after clinching a hard-fought five-wicket victory in their opening match.

Pakistan Captain Babar Azam Surpasses Stalwart Batter Virat Kohli for Elusive T20I Record

May 15, 2024, 2:56 pm

Pakistan made history in their third T20I clash against Ireland, with captain Babar Azam surpassing India’s Virat Kohli in setting new records. Despite an initial setback in the first T20I, Pakistan bounced back with consecutive wins to seal the series, securing a decisive 6-wicket victory in Dublin on Tuesday.

Babar demonstrated his batting prowess with a commanding 75 off 42 deliveries, including five sixes and six boundaries, solidifying his status as the top scorer with the most 50-plus scores in T20Is, achieving this feat for the 39th time. Notably, he became the first Pakistani batsman to score 25 runs in a single over against Ireland, smashing four sixes off Benjamin White’s bowling.

Teaming up with Mohammad Rizwan (56), Babar crafted a formidable 139-run partnership for the second wicket, laying a strong foundation for Pakistan’s triumph. Their collaboration marked their 10th century partnership in T20Is, a milestone unmatched by any other duo, and also saw them surpass the landmark of accumulating 3,000 partnership runs in the format.

Looking ahead, Pakistan is set to face England in a four-match T20I series, providing a crucial opportunity to refine their strategy ahead of the upcoming World Cup. The series is scheduled to kick off on May 22 at Headingley Carnegie, with the final match slated for May 30 at The Oval, London.

Kumar Sangakkara Speaks on the Quality of India’s T20 WC Squad

May 2, 2024, 2:08 pm

Former Sri Lankan cricketer and Rajasthan Royals (RR) Director of Cricket, Kumar Sangakkara, praised India’s 15-player squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024, describing it as “extremely strong”. The Indian team is scheduled to kick off their campaign against Ireland on June 5, 2024, at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York, followed by a highly anticipated match against Pakistan on June 9, 2024, at the same venue. Subsequent matches will see India facing off against the USA and Canada on June 12 and 15 respectively.

Speaking at a pre-match press conference before RR’s encounter with the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, Sangakkara highlighted India’s formidable spin attack for the T20 World Cup. He emphasized that India’s squad boasts depth in batting, a strong contingent of all-rounders, and notably, high-caliber spin options.

Sangakkara, a former Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batsman, commended the well-balanced composition of the squad led by Rohit Sharma for the upcoming ICC event. He expressed confidence in the leadership of Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma, suggesting they possess a clear strategy tailored to the tournament conditions. Sangakkara noted India’s historical strength in international competitions and anticipated the team’s varied strategies based on batting depth or bowling strength.

India’s squad additions include wicket-keepers Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson, alongside star batter Virat Kohli, who has been in impressive form during the ongoing IPL 2024 season. Additionally, Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, and Avesh Khan have been designated as reserve players.

In the ICC tournament, India finds itself in Group A alongside traditional rivals Pakistan, as well as Ireland, Canada, and the USA.

India Squad: Rohit Sharma (C), Hardik Pandya (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (Wk), Sanju Samson (Wk), Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Siraj.

India win toss, choose to field first in 1st T20I against Afghanistan

January 11, 2024, 8:06 pm

In the opening Twenty20 International of the three-match series against Afghanistan at Mohali on Thursday, Indian captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and decided to field first. This is the first-ever bilateral series in any format between these two sides. Due to personal reasons, captain Rohit has made his T20I comeback after a one-year absence, while Virat Kohli will not participate in the match. Rashid Khan, a well-known spinner from Afghanistan, is also skipping the series.

Rohit said at the toss, “We will bowl first. There is no particular reason; the pitch is good and it does not change a lot here. There is a lot to gain from the three games. We have not had too much T20 cricket leading up to the World Cup. There is the IPL, but this is an international game and we will try to achieve a few things. I had a chat with Rahul (Dravid) Bhai regarding the combination going forward and what we need to do as a group. That is what we’ll try to do, but winning is the most important thing. Sanju Samson, Avesh, Yashashvi (who did not pull off well) miss out.”

Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith Dropped from Australian T20I Squad Against India

November 28, 2023, 12:53 pm

Australia has announced significant modifications to its squad for the ongoing T20I series against India. To manage player workload, six members of Australia’s triumphant ODI World Cup 2023 squad will be rested for the remainder of the T20I series against the Indian team.

Following the third T20I match in Guwahati, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Josh Inglis, and Sean Abbott are set to return to Australia. Spinner Adam Zampa had already departed for Australia, along with Steve Smith, after the demanding World Cup campaign. In contrast, Travis Head, a pivotal left-handed batter, remains with the T20I squad for the upcoming 20-over contests.

Travis Head, despite missing the initial segment of Australia’s World Cup journey due to injury, emerged as a significant contributor, delivering standout ‘Player of the Match’ performances in both the semi-final and final matches.

Ben McDermott, Josh Philippe, Ben Dwarshuis, and Chris Green have been added to the Australian squad for the India series.

Following two consecutive defeats in the ongoing five-match series, Australia prepares to face India in the third Twenty20 International on Tuesday at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati.

Matthew Wade (c), Jason Behrendorff, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Chris Green, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Ben McDermott, Josh Philippe, Tanveer Sangha, Matt Short, and Kane Richardson have been added to the Australian squad.

India’s star T20I batter Suryakumar Yadav turns 33

September 14, 2023, 11:54 am

Suryakumar Yadav, the top short-format player in the world and the star T20I hitter for India, turned 33 on Thursday.
At age 31 when he made his international cricket debut against England in March 2021, Suryakumar is a late bloomer in the game.
The beginning of Suryakumar’s international career, a sizzling ‘Calypso Shot’ on a ball by one of the top speedsters in the world, Jofra Archer, put the entire cricketing world in amazement. He became the new definition of “audacity” from that point forward.

He displayed his collection of astounding, jaw-dropping, brazen 360-degree photos all over the park, in various locations throughout the world, over the following two years.
The outcome is a T20I career to be envious of. He has so far scored 1,841 runs at an average of 46.02 with a strike rate of 172.70 in 53 games and 50 innings. In his T20I career, he has scored three hundreds and 15 fifties, with a top score of 117 against England at home. It’s uncommon for T20Is to include a combination of consistency, centuries, and explosiveness.

We thought we had enough, says Rovman Powell

March 27, 2023, 1:38 pm

The entire West Indies camp was in a state of shock after falling short of the target despite scoring 258 runs.

“Sometimes you have to put your body through stress and it was an important game,” West Indies skipper Rovman Powell said after the game. We decided enough was enough when we reached the halfway point.

Quinton de Kock and Reeza Hendricks deserve credit. They took us by surprise and played outstanding cricket. They applied pressure starting with ball one. “We told him to go hard from ball one, and he did that today,” Powell said of Johnson Charles.

Skipper Powell contributed with a knock of 28(19), which included two sixes and a boundary. While the mindset of many teams suffers after losing a game in this manner, Powell believes he is used to losing games in this manner.

“The guys are making good progress. It’s just a matter of carrying over what we did well today into the third T20I. This is the seventh game I’ve played on the T20 circuit in which we scored 240 or 250 runs and lost, so I’m used to it.”

The fast bowlers didn’t have a good day today, so we tried to slow things down with me and Reifer coming in. “We must make a comeback in the final game. It only gets spicier, and it only gets nicer for the fans,” Powell further added.

The West Indian team performed admirably in the first T20I match. They were able to carry their lead into the next game. Even if their efforts in the second match were not rewarded, they will be eager to make a strong comeback and clinch the series at the Wanderers Stadium on Tuesday.

SURYAKUMAR, PANDYA GUIDE INDIA TO 6-WICKET WIN OVER NZ

January 30, 2023, 2:37 pm

Star batter of India Suryakumar Yadav and captain Hardik Pandya held their nerves to guide India to a hard-fought 6-wicket victory over New Zealand in the second T20I encounter here at Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Sunday.

India level three-match T20I series 1-1 with a nervy 6-wicket win. While chasing, India could not accelerate and it took another gritty known from Suryakumar to get them over the line. Chasing 100, India got off to a bad start as they lost opener Shubman Gill for 11 runs. The duo of Ishan Kishan and Rahul Tripathi then handled the charge as they slammed boundaries at regular intervals. However, the partnership could not stand longer as Ishan Kishan was sent packing after scoring 19 off 32 balls.

In the 11th over of the game, Rahul Tripathi was dismissed on the stunning delivery of Ish Sodhi. Tripathi went back into the hut after 13 runs. India kept losing wickets at regular intervals and batters were unable to stitch up a solid partnership. In the 15th over of the match, Washington Sundar was unable to do much for his team and was removed by Tickner on run out. Hardik Pandya then came out to bat. The duo of Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya accelerated Team India’s innings as the duo kept pilling runs while taking singles. In the last over India needed 6 runs to win. Blair Tickner was handed the ball for the last over, the New Zealand bowler delivered some great balls but it could not stop Suryakumar Yadav from slamming a FOUR on the fifth ball of the over and claiming the six-wicket nervy victory for India.

Opted to bat first, New Zealand got off to a decent start as Finn Allen opened his hands and slammed some strong boundaries. However, Allen’s stint at the crease was cut short by Yuzvendra Chahal, who bowled the New Zealand batter for 11 off 10. In the 5th over of the innings, Washington Sundar joined the party as he removed Devon Conway for 11 runs, leaving New Zealand tottering at 28/2.

Glenn Phillips was then sent back to the pavilion after scoring mere 5 runs by Deepak Hooda. Dangerous batter Daryl Mitchell then came out to bat.

It did not take Indian bowlers to send Mitchell packing after scoring 8 runs. After 10 over New Zealand were tottering at 48/4.

The visitors were unable to score more than 99 runs in 20 overs as they kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Deep Hooda, and Washington Sundar all claimed one wicket. Arshdeep Singh bagged two wickets. Mitchell Santner scored the highest for New Zealand for 19* off 23 balls.

Brief Score: New Zealand 99 (Mitchell Santner 19, Michael Bracewell 14, Arshdeep Singh 2-7) vs India 101- 4 (Suryakumar Yadav 26*, Ishan Kishan 19; Michael Bracewell 1-13).

Flamboyant Hardik to lead India in T20Is, Rohit returns for ODIs

December 28, 2022, 2:21 pm

Star all-rounder Hardik Pandya will lead India in the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka at home, starting on January 3, while opener Rohit Sharma will return for the three ODIs that follow, the BCCI announced on Tuesday. The experienced players Rohit, Virat Kohli and Rahul didn’t find a space in the T20I squad but they all have been included for the ODI series that begins on January 10. On the other hand, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who underwent a knee-surgery, along with pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who missed the T20 World Cup with back injury, have not been included in both the squads. Me a nwh i l e, ve t e r a n opener Shikhar Dhawan has been dropped from the ODI squad after a poor run in Bangladesh.

Dhawan has been battling poor form in the ODI format this year and his average of 34.40 and the strike rate of 74.21 in 2022 is the lowest he has registered ever since his comeback in 2013. On the other hand, Rishabh Pant was not included in either the ODI or the T20I squad and the BCCI media release didn’t clarify if he was injured, rested or dropped. The wicketkeeper-batter didn’t feature in the ODIs in Bangladesh as well before returning for the two-match Test series. The other notable omission is that of pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar while Mohd. Shami returned for ODIs after missing the 50-over match series against Bangladesh.

Interestingly, Hardik, who will lead India again in the shortest format after being named skipper for the series in New Zealand immediately after the T20 World Cup, has also been elevated as the vicecaptain in the 50 over format despite KL Rahul’s presence in the squad. Middle-order batter Suryakumar Yadav will be Hardik’s deputy in the T20I setup. The selectors have also included uncapped pacers Shivam Mavi and Mukesh Kumar in the squad for the three-match T20I series. Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer have been omitted from the T20I squad in favour of Ruturaj Gaikwad and Rahul Tripathi.

The only surprise call is that of Shivam Mavi, who received his maiden call-up to the national squad. The 24-year-old UP pacer has been included for the T20I series. While Washington Sundar, Axar Patel and Yuzvendra Chahal are part of both the squads, Kuldeep Yadav finds place only in the ODI side. India’s squad for Sri Lanka T20Is: Hardik Pandya (Captain), Ishan Kishan (wk), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (VC), Deepak Hooda, Rahul Tripathi, Sanju Samson, Washington Sundar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Harshal Patel, Umran Malik, Shivam Mavi, Mukesh Kumar

IND vs NZ 3rd T20I: Kane Williamson ruled out due to medical appointment

November 21, 2022, 12:14 pm

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) on Monday issued a statement that reads that from the third and final T20I series against India New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson has been ruled out due to medical issues.

“Blackcaps captain Kane Williamson will miss the third T20I in Napier on Tuesday to attend a pre-arranged medical appointment,” New Zealand Cricket (NZC) said.

Meanwhile, Mark Chapman who is Auckland Aces batsman will join the T20I squad in Napier.

Ahead of the series opener at Eden Park on Friday Williamson will rejoin the team on Wednesday when the ODI team will assemble.

Coach Gary Stead said, “Kane has been trying to get this booked in for a while now, but unfortunately it has not been able to fit into our schedule.”

“The health and well-being of our players and staff is paramount, and we look forward to seeing him in Auckland,” Stead said.

After featuring in the recent T20 World Cup and Tri-Series in Christchurch Chapman is excited, Stead said.

Stead further said, “He is a quality player who offers good versatility in the order.”

Moreover, for the third and final match at McLean Park on Tuesday Tim Southee would captain the side.

However, in the three-match T20I series team India is leading the series by 1-0. Due to rain first match was abandoned and in the second match on Sunday India defeated New Zealand by 65 runs. Star batter Suryakumar Yadav made 111 runs off 52 balls and Deepak Hooda took 4 wickets for 10 runs.

Furthermore, Williamson’s strike rate is very low in T20I and Williamson has scored only 443 in 13 matches this year.

IND vs NZ: Toss delayed due to rain in the first T20I

November 18, 2022, 12:13 pm

The three-match T20I series between India and New Zealand is going to be played on Friday and due to rain the first game of the toss has been delayed at Sky Stadium in Wellington.

Taking to Twitter BCCI tweeted, “There is an 81 per cent of chance at 7 PM Wellington Time (11:30 AM IST). The match is slated to start at 12 PM IST. The chance of rain gets significantly reduced as the day progresses, but there is still a 49 per cent chance of rain,” As per AccuWeather. “Toss at Sky Stadium, Wellington has been delayed due to persistent rains. Stay tuned for further updates.”

Meanwhile, on the Kiwi soil India and New Zealand are ready to lock horns. The team will be led by Hardik Pandya in the T20I series.

In the team, Sanju Samson, Shreyas Iyer, Umran Malik, and Shubman Gill, among others have the opportunity to prove themselves.

India squad for New Zealand T20Is:

Hardik Pandya (C), Rishabh Pant (VC & wk), Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan, Deepak Hooda, Surya Kumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Sanju Samson (wk), W Sundar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Harshal Patel, Mohd. Siraj, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Umran Malik.

New Zealand squad for T20Is:

Kane Williamson (c), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Daryl Mitchell, Adam Milne, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, and Blair Tickner.

Kohli crowned ICC male cricketer of the decade

December 29, 2020, 4:13 am

NEW DELHI: India skipper Virat Kohli has been named the ICC Male Cricketer of the Decade and the ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Decade while Australia batsman Steve Smith bagged the ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Decade award. Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan was named the ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Decade.

Kohli was competing against teammate Rohit Sharma, former India skipper MS Dhoni, Sri Lanka pacer Lasith Malinga, former Sri Lanka skipper Kumar Sangakkara, Australia pacer Mitchell Starc and South Africa batsman AB de Villiers. “My only intention was to make winning contributions for the team and I just strive to do that in every game. Stats just become the byproduct of what you want to do on the field,” Kohli said after winning the award.

Kohli is the only player to score 10,000-plus ODI runs in this decade. He smashed 39 centuries and 48 fifties during this period with an average of 61.83.

Former Australia skipper Smith scored 7,040 Test runs in this decade with an average of 65.79. He smashed 26 hundred and 28 fifties to accumulate those runs.

Rashid was the highest wicket-taker in the T20Is as he scalped 89 wickets including three four-wicket hauls and two five-fors.

Earlier on Sunday, Kohli was named the skipper of ICC’s Test Team of the Decade. Apart from Kohli, Ashwin was also included in the line-up. In the team, four players are from England, two from India, two from Australia, one from Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and South Africa.

The Test Team of the Decade includes some notable names like Alistair Cook, Kane Williamson, Steve Smith, Ben Stokes, and Kumar Sangakkara. The bowling side is covered by Dale Steyn, Stuart Broad, James Anderson, and R. Ashwin.

Rizwan steers Pak to victory in 3rd NZ T20

December 23, 2020, 4:31 am

NEW DELHI: A brilliant knock of 89 from wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan made sure the decent work done by the bowlers didn’t go in vain as Pakistan registered a four-wicket win in the third and final T20I against New Zealand on Tuesday.

Opting to field, Pakistan bowlers kept the New Zealand batsmen in check and despite Devon Conway’s 63-run knock, the hosts could muster 173/7 in their allotted 20 overs at the McLean Park.

Besides Conway, Tim Seifert — who had been New Zealand’s hero in the first two games — contributed with 35 runs, which came off 20 deliveries. Glenn Phillips’s 31 off 20 was also another notable performance for the Black Caps.

For Pakistan, right-arm medium-fast bowler Faheem Ashraf was the pick of the bowlers as he returned with brilliant figures of 3/20 in his four overs. Haris Rauf and Shaheen Afridi also picked two wickets each, giving away 44 and 43 runs respectively.

Chasing the target, Pakistan started off well as Haider Ali and Rizwan made 40 runs for the first wicket in 5.2 overs. After Ali’s dismissal, Mohammad Hafeez joined forces with Rizwan and the duo shared a 72-run stand and put the visitors on track of their solitary win in the series.

However, after Hafeez’s dismissal on his individual score of 41, Pakistan lost three quicks wickets in the form of Khushdil Shah (13), Faheem Ashraf (2) and captain Shadab Khan (0). Towards the end, Iftikhar Ahmed kept his calm and scored 14 unbeaten runs to take Pakistan over the line with two balls to spare and end the T20I series with a scoreline of 1-2.

For the hosts, Tim Southee starred with the ball as he picked two wickets in his four overs while conceding 25 runs. Scott Kuggeleijn also scalped two wickets. However, he was expensive as he gave away 40 runs in his four overs.

Rizwan, who smashed 10 fours and three sixes during his 59-ball inning, was adjudged the Player of the Match while Seifert was declared the Player of the Series.

New Zealand and Pakistan will now compete in a two-Test series beginning Saturday at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui.

Brief scores: New Zealand 173/7 (Devon Conway 63; Faheem Ashraf 3/20) lose to Pakistan 177/6 (Mohammad Rizwan 89; Tim Southee 2/25).

Black Caps vanquish Pakistan in first T20

December 19, 2020, 4:52 am

Having defeated Pakistan, New Zealand’s stand-in skipper Mitchell Santner on Friday said that the Kiwis have their eyes set on the T20 World Cup slated to be played in India next year.

Santner hailed New Zealand’s energy during the game and said the team will carry the confidence into the second T20I. New Zealand is unbeaten in their last four T20Is and spinner Santner also said the Kiwis are looking at the T20 World Cup scheduled to be played in India next year. He also hinted at the return of Kane Williamson for the second T20I.

“The energy in the field was outstanding. Probably a change in the team going into the next game, but we’ll take this confidence,” said Santner after the match.

“We are looking at the World Cup in India next year. And we’ll have around four changes in our next game with the Test stars coming back in,” he added.

Chasing a moderate target of 154, Martin Guptill and Tim Seifert opened the scoring for the Kiwis and pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi got the early breakthrough as he dismissed Guptill (6) in the third over.

Devon Conway came in to bat at number three and could only stitch a 13-run partnership with Seifert for the second wicket. Conway (5) became a victim of Haris Rauf in the fourth over.

Glenn Phillips then joined Seifert in the middle and stitched a solid 44-run partnership off 34 balls for the third wicket. The duo played freely and scored some quick runs, but Rauf struck to remove Phillips for 23.

Another quick 45-run partnership between Mark Chapman and Seifert then put the hosts in the driving seat and almost confirmed their victory. Afridi picked Seifert in the 15th over and reduced New Zealand to 4/110. With 44 runs to win, James Neeshand and Chapman built a 19-run stand before the latter departed in the 17th over.

Brief scores: Pakistan 153/9 (Shadab Khan 42; Jacob Duffy 4/33) lose to New Zealand 156/5 (Tim Seifert 57; Haris Rauf 3/29)