T20I Tri-Nation 2022: Finn Allen, Devon Conway loot runs as New Zealand thump Pakistan by 9 wickets
Finn Allen scored fifty in 31 balls [PC: Twitter]
Hosts' New Zealand produced an all-round at Christchurch to produce a thumping win over visiting Pakistan by nine wickets. Opener Finn Allen notched a quick-fire fifty, while Devon Conway steered the home side's ship past the finishing line.
Allen-Conway Show
After a cautious start, opener Allen tore into Pakistan's attack. Devon Conway started slowly in comparison but ensured that the PowerPlay was utilised to the max. The pair added 57 runs in the first six overs.
Both batters continued their charge against Pakistani spinners, who were taken aback by Allen’s aggressive approach.
The youngster reached his third T20I fifty in just 31 balls. The pair took the BlackCaps over the hundred-run mark in no time.
However, Shadab Khan was able to get the last laugh, stumping Allen out for 62.
Skipper Kane Williamson joined Conway in the middle, to finish the proceedings.
Conway remained unbeaten on 49, while Williamson made run-a-ball nine to help New Zealand beat Pakistan by nine wickets.
With this win, New Zealand moves on top of the points table with a superior net run-rate.
Spinners stranglehold visitors
Opting to bat first, Pakistan managed just 130 runs in their 20 overs. Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam suffered a rare failure together.
The situation was laid down for Iftikhar Ahmed and Asif Ali show but were unable to use their hitting abilities on a sluggish wicket.
Still, the duo added 51 runs for the sixth wicket before Ahmed holed out a simple catch in the last over for 27. Ali remained unbeaten on 25.
Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell claimed two wickets apiece, while Ish Sodhi picked up one wicket, extracting all the assistance from the track, contributing to five out of six Pakistan’s top-order.
Fast bowler Tim Southee also picked a couple of wickets.
Interestingly, it was after 77 games in New Zealand, that a six was not hit in an innings.
Both sides made changes — Naseem Shah came in for Haris Rauf, with Santner and Blair Tickner replacing Adam Milne and Trent Boult for the Kiwis.
Brief Scores
Pakistan: 130 - 7 (20)
Iftikhar Ahmed 27 (27), Asif Ali 25* (20)
Michael Bracewell 2 - 11, Mitchell Santner 2 - 27
New Zealand: 131 -1 (16.1)
Finn Allen 62 (42), Devon Conway 49* (46)
Shadab Khan 1 - 26
New Zealand beat Pakistan by 9 wickets
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