NZ vs PAK - T20I Review

With less than a day left, for the commencing of two match test series between New Zealand and Pakistan, at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, here is just a post review on the 3 match T20I series between the same at New Zealand. In the time of previewing the test match, why are you reviewing the T20I series, which finished days back ? The answer is, I find this might be the right time to review, as it shows how Pakistan is suffering and will suffer without Babar Azam., as he is unfit for the first test too.

In this three match series, New Zealand have won first 2 games while Pakistan sealed the third game, with a good fight. But, why Pakistan lost, despite being one of the top nations in T20I cricket ? During first match, New Zealand have sent their younger most squad, in which they have won the toss and decided to bowl first. Pakistan had a poorest ever start, with 39/5 in the end of powerplay. Jacob Duffy, ran into the Pakistani lineup, with his destructive pace bowling. Babar less factor had impacted in the middle order which was luckily saved by the stand-in captain, Shadab Khan along with a late surge from Faheem Ashraf, at the end, scoring 153/9. Jacob Duffy, finished with a spell of 4/33 in his international debut, while Scott Kuggelejin picked up 3 crucial wickets in the deck end. This score had gave Pakistan some hope of defending, which was totally damaged by New Zealand, in the power play period itself. The hero of this series, Tim Siefert had scored a vital half century, which is followed by a good support from Mark Chapman, and the last rites were done by Jimmy Neesham and Mitchell Santner. In this game, Haris Rauf provided important breakthroughs, but those three wickets weren't enough, as Pakistan lacked a destructive form of seam bowler. NZ comfortably clinched this game by 5 wickets with 7 balls to spare. 

The second T20I was a must win game for Pakistan, to stay alive in this T20I seris, which was held at Seddon Park, Hamilton. Here, Pakistan have won the toss and chose to field first. This time, the aged lion, Hafeez proved himself that Age is just a number and not a barrier. Again, the failure of top order in the powerplay, hit Pakistan hard. But this time, Hafeez's show in the middle order, gained some confidence and this helped in the recovery of the game. He himself smashed 10 fours and 5 sixes at the age of 40, which is no serious joke. But, lack of support at the other end, meant Pakistan scoring only 163/6 at the end of 20 overs. As the experienced men returned, Southee shone with the ball, picking 4 wickets for just 21 runs. His, late air swing helped them to snatch the innings and also the match. Yet again, Tim Siefert began the game with a great flourish and he was seen immortal, as he targeted each and every pace man of Pakistan. Along with him, Kane Williamson gave a great standing support. Both reached half centuries, and Pakistani's bowling failed even more miserably. 

The difference between a win and a loss were determined by few mistakes, done before this game by Pakistan, which the team New Zealand didn't do so. Pakistan won the toss and this time, they chose to field first. New Zealand had a good opening start, but apart from that Pakistan kep on picking up wickets at regular intervals, making New Zealand to slow down a bit. Conway played a magnificent innings, still apart from him, lower order failed than expected. Faheem Ashraf were so economical, with picking up 3 wickets for just 20 runs. In reply, Pakistan rectified all their mistakes, by setting up a great batting from the top order. Resistant Rizwan, were right on the song, with his nudging start. He scored 89 runs off just 59 deliveries which meant him to be the Man of the Match. Once again, the experienced lion gave a great high five for Rizwan by a good 41 off 29. Unlike Pakistan, NZ fought so hard, bring the game right down the wire, but all were too late, as Pakistan had already sealed the game in the way back 10 overs. 

So, these three matches reflect that Pakistan had failed on the first two games due to their poor top order and also a boneless bowling unit. Meanwhile, New Zealand had an opposite set which helped them to seal. So, the missing of Babar Azam will definitely affect them in the tests, both directly and indirectly. Pakistan has a good batting lineup in Tests, yet missing of some due to injury, impact them. From these circumstances, if Pakistan wins the first game, this would be a huge turn around. Let's us expect the unexpected tomorrow.