NZ vs PAK - Pakistan lose by 21 runs, fans call Babar Azam 'lone warrior' for scoring 66 runs

Babar Azam's 66 and Fakhar Zaman's half-century were the only significant contributions to Pakistan's total, which ultimately fell short by 21 runs against New Zealand.

Babar Azam

Pakistan faced their second defeat against New Zealand in the five-match T20I series at Seddon Park in Hamilton. Despite restricting the Kiwis to 194 runs in 20 overs, Pakistan's pursuit fell short, managing only 173 all out in 19.3 overs, despite Babar Azam's impressive 66. Fans, recognizing Azam's outstanding performance, labelled him the 'lone warrior' of the game on social media.

Babar Azam's 66 and Fakhar Zaman's half-century were the only significant contributions to Pakistan's total, which ultimately fell short by 21 runs. After the early dismissals of Saim Ayub (1) and Mohammad Rizwan (7), Babar and Fakhar guided the chase. Despite initially having control with the two batters at the crease, the turning point came with Fakhar Zaman's dismissal.

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Adam Milne stood out as the main bowler for the Blackcaps, claiming 4 wickets for 33 runs. Tim Southee, Ben Sears, and Ish Sodhi each took two wickets, propelling the Blackcaps to a 2-0 lead in the series.

Fans expressed their thoughts on social media platforms, particularly X (formerly known as Twitter), praising Babar Azam and discussing the match's conclusion.

Earlier in the match, opening batter Finn Allen played a pivotal role, scoring 74 off 41 balls, while Conway contributed 20. Skipper Kane Williamson retired hurt after scoring 26, and Daryl Mitchell managed 17 runs. Glenn Phillips (13) and Santner (25) played cameo roles, contributing to the team's total of 194 runs.

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Haris Rauf took 3 wickets for Pakistan, while Abbas Afridi claimed two. Aamer Jamal and Usama Mir secured one wicket each, while skipper Shaheen Afridi went wicketless in his 4 overs, conceding 30 runs.

Playing XI squads:

New Zealand: Finn Allen, Devon Conway (wk), Kane Williamson (c), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner, Adam Milne, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Ben Sears

Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Azam Khan (wk), Aamer Jamal, Shaheen Afridi (c), Usama Mir, Abbas Afridi, Haris Rauf

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