Christchurch (Web Desk/ Agencies): Pakistan defeated New Zealand by 42 runs in the fifth and last T20 international in Christchurch on Sunday.
After winning the toss, Pakistan decided to bat first and scored 134 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in stipulated 20 overs.
In reply, New Zealand could score 92 runs in 17.2 overs.
The tourist’s total looked inadequate as it was their lowest of the series after their losing efforts of 180, 173, 179-7 and 158-5 in the four previous matches.
But it proved more than enough on a sub-standard pitch at Hagley and New Zealand only just surpassed its previous lowest total in a T20 international in New Zealand.
Iftikhar Ahmed was the surprise hero for Pakistan. The 33-year-old hadn’t bowled in Pakistan’s last eight Twenty20s, hadn’t taken a wicket since 2022 and had only four wickets in 53 matches before Sunday.
