Azam’s 69 off 44 balls and Fakhar Zaman’s 43 off 33 balls propelled Pakistan to 178 for five of their 20 overs. Shaheen then took four for 30 to limit New Zealand to 169 all out in 19.2 overs, leveling the collection at 2-2.
Nonetheless, Pakistan’s win wasn’t sure till the ultimate over, as Josh Clarkson’s unbeaten 38 threatened an upset, needing 12 runs.Two run-outs in Mohammad Amir‘s over sealed the house win, a lot to the delight of the packed crowd at Gaddafi Stadium.
The primary match of the collection was deserted, with Pakistan taking the second and New Zealand profitable the third, each by an identical seven-wicket margins in Rawalpindi. New Zealand claimed victory within the fourth match in Lahore by 4 runs.
The collection served as beneficial preparation for each groups forward of the Twenty20 World Cup in the US and West Indies in June.
Whereas Pakistan could be disenchanted to not have gained a collection in opposition to a depleted New Zealand facet lacking a bunch of gamers on account of Indian Premier League, unavailability and accidents, the guests acquired a lift from their bench power.
Shaheen gave Pakistan a really perfect begin by dismissing Tom Blundell for 4 in his first over — his 15th wicket in his opening over of a Twenty20 worldwide — and 50th in all T20 matches.
Tim Seifert put New Zealand again on monitor with an aggressive 33-ball 52 — his ninth T20I half century containing seven boundaries and two sixes.
He added 76 for the second wicket with skipper Micheal Bracewell (23) however from 81-1 New Zealand misplaced 4 wickets within the area of 25 balls for the addition of simply 22 runs.
Leg-spinner Usama Mir (2-21) had Seifert and Mark Chapman (12) whereas fellow spinner Shadab Khan accounted for Bracewell as New Zealand’s chase was derailed.
Shaheen returned for a second spell to dismiss James Neesham (16), Zak Foulkes (nought) and Ish Sodhi (three) in successive overs.
Azam stated he used completely different mixtures to check the squad power forward of the World Cup.
“Look, all through the collection we tried completely different mixtures and we wished to see the place our bench power stands,” stated Azam.
“There are a lot of good indicators however we cannot be complacent and can give attention to enchancment which is essential in worldwide cricket.”
Bracewell was delighted that his group got here out all-square.
“Fairly honest reflection of the collection, fairly proud of coming over right here and studying how one can play in these situations,” stated Bracewell who captained New Zealand for the primary time.
“Credit score to Pakistan, they performed rather well in the present day.”
Earlier, Azam noticed his opening associate Saim Ayub fall within the second over for only one however that didn’t deter him as he added 73 for the second wicket with Usman Khan who made a brisk 24-ball 31.
Azam hit six boundaries and two sixes in his 34th T20I half-century earlier than he was bowled by pacer Ben Sears within the 15th over.
Zaman hit 4 boundaries and a six earlier than he was neatly caught by Chapman on the boundary off Foulkes as Pakistan managed 55 within the final 5 overs.
Shadab Khan hit a six and a 4 in his five-ball 15 not out.
New Zealand made three adjustments as they introduced again Seifert, Cole McConchie and Foulkes whereas tempo spearhead Shaheen returned for the house group.
(With inputs from AFP)
