Haris Rauf’s excellent bowling effort in Lahore on Friday helped Pakistan start their T20I series against New Zealand with a comfortable victory. The victory was also significant for skipper Babar Azam, who equaled MS Dhoni’s record of 41 victories as captain in T20I cricket. It was Babar’s 100th T20I match and his 67th as captain of the Pakistan cricket team.

Overall, Babar is tied for second most wins in the sport’s shortest format with former England captain Eoin Morgan and ex-Afghanistan skipper Asghar Stanikzai. They each led their respective national teams to 42 triumphs, and Babar is only one victory away from breaking the global record.

Pakistan celebrated skipper Babar Azam’s 100th international match in the shortest format on Friday with a brilliant 88-run triumph against New Zealand in Lahore. Azam fell for nine runs, but Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub scored 47 runs each and put on a 79-run third-wicket stand to help Pakistan reach 182 all out in 19.5 overs

Haris Rauf, one of five players who returned after being rested in Pakistan’s previous series against Afghanistan, took 4-18 as New Zealand were all out in 15.3 overs.

Imad Wasim, a left-arm spinner, concluded with 2-2 in his only over, getting both his wickets on consecutive deliveries.

Mark Chapman led the way with 27-ball 34, including four boundaries and a six, while skipper Tom Latham finished with 24-ball 20.

Rauf’s previous best T20 figure was 4-22 against New Zealand in Sharjah in 2021.

Whereas, some of New Zealand’s top players have missed the series since they are competing in the ongoing IPL season in India.

Related posts: