New Zealand T20I Tri-Series 2022, Match 2 Review: Babar Azam's captivating knock helps Pakistan ease past New Zealand

Time wasn’t really kind to Babar Azam in the Asia Cup but ever since England's T20I series, the captain has been absolutely fantastic. Against New Zealand in the second match of the tri-series, Babar Azam smashed 79* off 53 balls and helped the team win their second match of the competition.

Batting first, the Kiwis lost the wicket of Finn Allen just when he looked to go berserk. Devon Conway and captain Kane Williamson did hold the ship up but their strike rate was definitely a matter of concern for the team management. Kane Williamson’s form in the T20Is has been under the scanner for quite some time now and this performance might help him gain confidence but it couldn't help the team put on a great show. 

Conway scored 36 off 35 deliveries while Kane managed 31 off 30 deliveries. Since they never really got going, Pakistan bowlers managed to take full control of the situation. Mark Chapman was the only player to show intent as the rest of the middle-order batters were below par, to say the least. Chapman with 32 off 16 was the second-highest run-scorer from the New Zealand camp.

Pakistan, on the other hand, was brilliant with the ball. Other than Shadab Khan, all the bowlers completing two or more overs got a wicket. Haris Rauf and Mohammad Wasim Jr. were fantastic in the death as Rauf clinched three wickets giving away just five runs in the penultimate over of the match. The team also deserves a lot of credit for restricting a strong Kiwi side for just 147 runs after 20 overs.

Skipper leads by example once again

Chasing a total of 148 runs, Mohammad Rizwan struggled up front and was dismissed for four runs in 12 balls. Soon after that, Shan Masood was dismissed by Blair Tickner and things were not looking good for the Men in Green. However, like most of the times, the skipper Babar Azam stepped up and delivered a match-winning knock.

With the help of 11 boundaries, Babar smashed 79 but credit also goes to Shadab Khan, who helped the skipper in the journey. Pakistan’s middle order has been questioned multiple times in the past but Shadab showed conviction and scored 34 off 22 balls to release some pressure. Nawaz and Haider Ali in the end looked in great touch as well. Thus, there are many positives for Pakistan to take but it’s Babar’s form before the T20 World Cup that will help the fans relax before the journey in Australia begins.

“As a captain, I’m very happy. We assessed the conditions and executed our plans, our bowlers bowled very well,” said the skipper who was adjudged as the Player of the Match after securing a six-wicket win over New Zealand.