New Zealand VS Pakistan, Tri-Series T20 Final: Pakistan defeats New Zealand by five wickets

Captain Kane Williamson played a knock of 59 as New Zealand scored 163/7 in 20 overs in the tri-series final against Pakistan.

The 56-run stand for the fourth wicket between Haider Ali and Mohammad Nawaz helped Pakistan to lift the trophy.

Captains Corner

Babar Azam- Pakistan's captain, says he is excited about the victory. He says that he pays great respect to the boys for the way they play. They pitched brilliantly in the closing stages, and then the middle order did the trick. He says that Haider Ali and Nawaz batted very well and mentions that the wicket behaved the same in both innings and that the team deserves credit for how they played. Mentions that they are going into the World Cup with a lot of confidence and want to take the momentum with them.

Kane Williamson- the New Zealand captain, says it was a great game of cricket, Pakistan is a great team, and it was frustrating not to get over the line. He adds that a team always needs 20 more points, but the total was competitive, but credit goes to Pakistan's middle-order, who changed the game. They played beautifully. He says that it is a game of small margins, and even if a bowler throws too much, they can always get back into the game. When asked about his batting, he said, it feels good to contribute to the overall team score, but they would have liked a few more runs. He concludes by saying that it was a good tournament and that they are now looking forward to the World Cup.

Player of the Match: Mohammad Nawaz

He says that in the last match, he relied only on the bat and in this match, too, he believed in himself and went into the game with a clear mind. In domestic cricket, he has batted well in the middle order, which helps him; here, it was all about executing his plans, he adds. He also mentions that Haider Ali got Pakistan going, and both decided to take Ish Sodhi, which changed the game. The weather in New Zealand is cold, as they played in the subcontinent, where it was hot.

Player of the Series: Michael Bracewell

He says that he is honoured to receive the award but disappointed that he did not make it over the line. He says that he has been practising a lot to bowl in the powerplay and is enjoying it now. He also adds that it is a different role from the one he plays in domestic cricket and that the last couple of overs in both innings cost the game. He says he is privileged to get the opportunity to represent his country and is trying to improve by learning from other spinners. And that he is a better bowler than eight months ago.