Azam's half-century powers Pakistan to six-wicket win over New Zealand in tri-series match

Christchurch [New Zealand], October 8 (ANI): A captain's knock from Babar Azam and a brilliant spell from pacer Haris Rauf led Pakistan to a comprehensive six-wicket win over New Zealand in their second match of the tri-nation series featuring Bangladesh in Christchurch on Saturday.
With this victory, Pakistan is on the top spot with two wins in two matches and four points. On the other hand, Kiwis are in the second position with one loss in one match and zero points.
In the first innings, New Zealand scored 147/8 in 20 overs. Devon Conway (36) top-scored for Kiwis. Haris Rauf (3/28) took some crucial wickets for Pakistan. Captain Azam's unbeaten 79* helped Pakistan reach across the line with six wickets in hand.
Chasing 148, Pakistan openers Babar Azam and Mohammed Rizwan got their side to a good start, with Azam being the aggressor. Southee gave NZ the first wicket, trapping Rizwan lbw for 4 off 12 balls. Pakistan was at 36/1 at this point.
Shan Masood was soon dismissed by pacer Blair Tickner for a duck, leaving Pakistan at 37/2.
At the end of the powerplay, Pakistan was at 44/2, with Shadab Khan (7*) and Azam (31*) at the crease.
The duo added 61 runs to their partnership before Tickner struck again, taking the wicket of Shadab for 34 off 22. Pakistan was 98/3. Shadab was caught by Southee at point.
Mohammad Nawaz was up next, taking Pakistan beyond the 100-run mark. Boult gave NZ the next wicket, sending back Nawaz for 16 off 19 balls.
Azam kept the one end steady and along with Haider Ali (10*) guided Pakistan to a six-wicket win. Azam finished at 79 off 53 balls, consisting of 11 fours.
Tickner (2/42) was the pick of the bowlers for the Kiwis. Boult and Southee got one wicket each.
Earlier, after electing to bat first, medium-pacer Mohammad Wasim gave Pakistan early momentum in the innings by sending back opener Finn Allen for 13 off 8 balls.
Conway and skipper Kane Williamson helped Kiwis recover from this early hiccup. They stitched together a partnership of 61 runs. Spinner Nawaz gave New Zealand twin jolts, dismissing Conway (36 off 35) and Williamson (31 off 30). New Zealand was at 88/3 in 13 overs.
Mark Chapman (32 off 16) kept one end steady while the Kiwis kept losing wickets on the other end. New Zealand finished at 147/8 in 20 overs.
Rauf (3/28) was the key bowler for Pakistan. Wasim (2/20) and Nawaz (2/44) took two wickets while Shahnawaz Dahani took a wicket too.
Azam was named as 'Man of the Match' for his match-winning knock. (ANI)