New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson added another feather to his hat after a T20I series win against Pakistan at home. The home team hammered Pakistan an won the T20I series by 2-1 that concluded on Tuesday.
Pakistan finally found the winning rhythm after a comprehensive victory over the Blackcaps by 4 wickets in the third and final T20I. Wicketkeeper-batsman and opener Mohammad Rizwan hit his career-best knock of 89 runs and helped them chase 174 runs set by the hosts at McLean Park.
The visitors fought tooth and nail until the end that was later graced by a six from Iftikhar Ahmed in the 19.4 over. Mohammad Rizwan was adjudged the player of the match for his 59-ball 89 runs studded with 10 boundaries and 3 sixes.
Kane Williamson, the losing skipper praised the opposition for their grit in the final T20I to avoid the series white-wash
“Pakistan played really well tonight. I thought our first innings total was a very good one, and life is tougher in the second innings but they showed their class. You have to play really well to chase a total like that. They had good partnerships and it was tough to break it. They executed their plans really well but I guess I am pretty happy with the performance of our guys” Williamson said.
Tim Seifert became the player of the series for his excellent run with the bat and smashed 176 runs in the T20I series, including 84 runs in the second T20I. He also ensured New Zealand was off to a flying start along with Martin Guptill in all the matches.
Both the teams will now head to the two-match Test series, also a part of the World Test Championship from December 26. New Zealand also announced the 13-man squad for the Test series and named spin-all-rounder Mitchell Santner following his performance in the white-ball series.
