Pakistan won the tri-series Twenty20 final in Christchurch on Friday thanks to all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz’s five-wicket victory over New Zealand.
It was a good indication for Pakistan as it prepares for the World Cup in Australia, which starts on October 23 against its archrival India.
After the hosts finished on 163-7 at Hagley Oval, spinner Michael Bracewell stopped Pakistan’s momentum going in their reply, before Nawaz stepped up with his decisive 38-ball knock.
Nawaz, who also batted brilliantly in Pakistan’s dead-rubber win over Bangladesh on Thursday, produced another outstanding inning before Iftikhar Ahmed closed victory with a six in the final over.
The Black Caps got off to a great start, with captain Kane Williamson taking charge with a brilliant display of stroke play to score 59 off 38 balls.
Finn Allen hit three fours before being caught by Naseem Shah for 12 off six balls as the hosts raced out of the blocks.
After fighting for form following an elbow injury, Williamson came in to calm nerves with his first half-century in any format in 2022.
In response, Pakistan openers Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan smashed Tim Southee for nine runs in the first over of his 100th T20 international appearance, then hit Trent Boult for ten in the second.
Spinner Bracewell took the ball and knocked out Azam and Shan Masood. Bracewell was the series’ Best player at the series.
Ish Sodhi then caught Rizwan lbw for 34 runs off 29 balls.
But, just as he did against Bangladesh, Nawaz decided to return to the crease to reconquer control of the match, and Iftikhar’s majestic six with three balls remaining sealed victory in style.