Pakistan claimed the third T20I in the final over by four wickets. PHOTOSPORT

Down to the wire

Posted Tuesday, 22 December, 2020 in International Match Reports

Pakistan claimed their first win of the tour by downing the BLACKCAPS in a final-over thriller in the third T20I at Napier's McLean Park.

Chasing 174 for victory, wicket-keeper-batsman and new Test captain Mohammad Rizwan lead the way by belting 89 from 59 balls to get his side all but over the line, as he fell in the final over with four runs still needed for victory.

SCORECARD

The job was finished two balls later by Iftikhar Ahmed whose crucial 14* off 7 saved any blushes for the visitors who claimed the final game for 1-2 scoreline.

Tim Seifert was declared the PSO Carient Player of the Series for his scores of 57, 84*, 35, as the BLACKCAPS kept the series silverware despite losing the third match.

Earlier, Devon Conway anchored the home side's batting effort with 63 off 45 as Pakistan's bowlers produced their best performance of the tour so far.

With Martin Guptill (split-finger) and Ish Sodhi (left-hamstring) both leaving the field indefinitely in the fileding innninngs, Daryl Mitchell came on and made a huge impact with three catches including an early contender for catch of the season.

The Test teams assemble in Mount Maunganui on Wednesday to prepare for the Boxing Day Test at Bay Oval.

As it happened...

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