Twitter reactions: Iftikhar Ahmed’s sizzling bowling helps Pakistan beat New Zealand in 5th T20I to avoid series whitewash

Despite enduring four consecutive defeats, Pakistan found reason to celebrate at the conclusion of a challenging New Zealand tour. They successfully defended a modest total in the final T20I, securing a 42-run victory and preventing a whitewash. This win brought a positive end to a tough series for the Pakistani team.

New Zealand restrict Pakistan at a below-par total

Facing a challenging New Zealand bowling attack, Pakistan managed to post a total of 134/8 in their allotted 20 overs. Mohammad Rizwan contributed steadily with 38 off 38 balls. Fakhar Zaman showcased aggressive batting, scoring 33 off 16 deliveries, including four sixes.

The Black Caps bowlers, led by Tim Southee and Lockie Ferguson, claimed crucial wickets during Pakistan’s innings. Southee bagged 2 for 19 while Ferguson picked up a couple for 24. Ish Sodhi (2/22) and Matt Henry (2/30) also chipped in with 2 scalps each.

Iftikhar Ahmed traps hosts in his web of spin

Chasing the target, New Zealand struggled and were eventually bowled out for 92 runs in 17.2 overs. Iftikhar Ahmed played a crucial role in Pakistan’s bowling attack. The all-rounder delivered a notable bowling performance, securing three wickets for just 24 runs in his allotted four overs. Iftikhar’s ability to pick up key wickets, including important breakthroughs during the crucial middle overs, significantly impacted the course of the match.

Iftikhar’s disciplined and effective bowling restricted the New Zealand batting lineup, contributing significantly to Pakistan’s 42-run victory. His bowling performance was rightfully acknowledged, earning him the well-deserved title of the Player of the Match.

Also READ: U19 World Cup 2024 – India, England and Pakistan start their campaigns with comprehensive wins

Here is how Twitter reacted:

With 275 runs in the series, the second most ever for the BLACKCAPS in a multi-game T20I series, including the highest ever individual T20I score for New Zealand in T20I 3, the ANZ Player of the Series – Finn Allen 🙌#NZvPAK #CricketNation pic.twitter.com/6FzO79zqAB

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 21, 2024

Man of the Match.

Iftikhar Ahmed for his amazing bowling 3/24 (4) #PAKvsNZ #PakistanCricketTeam pic.twitter.com/9q9x3hKDPd

— Nawaz 🇵🇰 (@Rnawaz31888) January 21, 2024

Congratulations Pakistan 🇵🇰#NZvPAK

— Alisha Imran (@Alishaimran111) January 21, 2024

Pakistan end the tour of Australia and New Zealand 7-1. Very disappointing performances and a win in the dead rubber today shouldn't hide this fact 🇵🇰👍🏼 #NZvsPAK

— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) January 21, 2024

Iftikhar Ahmed has three wickets!

Pakistan spinners are 🔛 a roll as New Zealand are down 🔥#PAKvsNZ | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/x95FkO2uTa

— Muhammad Ali Chughtai (@IMALI_99) January 21, 2024

Chacha Itikhair Welldone 😻💫
Today's hero Iftikhar ahmed
Keep it up 💪#PAKvsNZ #ShoaibMalik #BabarAzam pic.twitter.com/5MSevWpRkM

— Kamran Abbasi🇵🇰 (@Kamran_045) January 21, 2024

"Iftikhar Ahmed shines as the Player of the Match for his impressive spell of 3/24! 🌟🏏 #Cricket #PAKvNZ #NZvPAK #Pakistan #PCB #Playerofmatch #Iftikhar #T20 . pic.twitter.com/H7Mu72sXut

— Afzal Shafi (@Afzalshafi8) January 21, 2024

Iftikhar Ahmed being man of the match in the only game they win is objectively hilarious imo

— adi✨ (@adidoescricket) January 21, 2024

Lowest T20I total successfully defended in New Zealand 👏

Pakistan finish the T20I series on a high with a 42-run triumph in Christchurch. New Zealand claim the series 4-1.#NZvPAK | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/oKlVYNjhhL

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) January 21, 2024

💥Iftikhar Ahmed was the Player of the Match for his 3 wickets – he dismissed Seifert, Henry, and Sodhi.#NZvPAK 🏏 🇵🇰 🇳🇿 pic.twitter.com/ktGV4CWFyE

— Muhammad Abdullah Numan (@Honey_Jr_14) January 21, 2024

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January 21, 2024 at 10:13AM