Usama Mir and Babar Azam lead Pakistan to a convincing victory over New Zealand in fourth ODI
Pakistan’s Usama Mir Leads the Way as they Defeat New Zealand in Fourth ODI
Pakistan clinched a convincing 102-run victory against New Zealand in the fourth ODI in Karachi on Friday, thanks to an all-round performance by the home team. Usama Mir’s bowling prowess and Babar Azam’s impressive century were the highlights of the match.
Usama Mir Shines as Pakistan Bowl out New Zealand
Usama Mir, who replaced Shadab Khan for this match, made an instant impact with the ball, taking four crucial wickets to help Pakistan bowl out New Zealand for 232 runs in 43.4 overs. Mohammad Wasim Jr also bowled well from the other end, taking three wickets.
Although skipper Tom Latham fought hard for New Zealand, his efforts fell short in the end. Mark Chapman made a valiant 46 runs, including four boundaries and three maximums, but it wasn’t enough to secure a win for the visitors.
Babar Azam’s Century Puts Pakistan on Top
Earlier in the day, Pakistan’s batting lineup was dominated by Babar Azam, who scored an outstanding century, ensuring Pakistan posted a formidable total of 334-6 in their allotted 50 overs.
Despite opener Fakhar Zaman losing his wicket early on, Shan Masood partnered well with Babar, contributing to a 50-run partnership that set the tone for Pakistan. Babar went on to score his 18th ODI century, also completing his 5000 ODI runs in just 97 innings – the fastest by any batsman in history.
Agha Salman also played a vital role, contributing 58 runs, and his 117-run partnership with Babar proved crucial in guiding Pakistan to a competitive total. Iftikhar Ahmed’s quick 28 and Shaheen Afridi’s cameo of 23 runs also helped Pakistan reach their mammoth total.
New Zealand’s Matt Henry was the pick of the bowlers, taking three wickets, while Ben Lister and Ish Sodhi claimed a wicket each.
Pakistan Wins the Toss and Elects to Bat First
New Zealand won the toss and elected to bowl first. Pakistan made five changes to their side, while New Zealand made three. Shan Masood, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Haris, Usama Mir, and Haris Rauf were included in the starting XI for Pakistan.
Pakistan’s skipper Babar Azam said, “We would have preferred to bat first had we won the toss. The pitch is looking good, and we will try to score around 290 runs.”
Pakistan Clinch First ODI Series Win Over New Zealand in 12 Years
It is worth noting that Pakistan registered their first one-day international series win over New Zealand in 12 years with a hard-fought 26-run victory in the third match in Karachi on Wednesday. Imam-ul-Haq and Babar Azam’s impressive performances with the bat helped Pakistan secure the win.
Lineups:
New Zealand XI: Will Young, Tom Blundell (wk), Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (c), Mark Chapman, James Neesham, Cole McConchie, Ish Sodhi, Matt Henry, Ben Lister, Blair Tickner
Pakistan XI: Shan Masood, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Haris, Agha Salman, Usama Mir, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Wasim, Haris Rauf.
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