The Pakistani skipper, Babar Azam, pointed out Iftikhar Ahmed’s flexibility as a batsman, emphasizing that he had the capability to bat at any position in the team.
Pakistan captain Babar Azam explained the reason for sending Iftikhar Ahmed at number eight in the batting order during the third T20I against New Zealand at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Despite losing the match by four runs, Babar praised Iftikhar’s versatility as a batsman, stating that he can bat at any number in the order. He further added that Pakistan is playing with a deep batting lineup to have flexibility in sending anyone at any time. Iftikhar played outstanding innings of 60 runs off just 24 balls, rescuing Pakistan’s innings from 88-7 while chasing New Zealand’s target of 163-5.
In the third T20I match between Pakistan and New Zealand, needing 15 runs to win from James Neesham’s final over, Iftikhar Ahmed hit a six and a four to reduce the target to five off the last three deliveries. However, Neesham got Ahmed caught at long-on by Daryl Mitchell and then dismissed last man Haris Rauf in the same manner. Iftikhar and Faheem Ashraf added 61 runs for the eighth wicket before Ashraf got out after scoring a 14-ball 27 with two sixes and as many fours. Iftikhar’s impressive knock of 60 runs off 24 balls, including six sixes and three fours, brought Pakistan back into the contest from 88-7 while chasing New Zealand’s total of 163-5. With this win, New Zealand trail the five-match series 2-1 after Pakistan won the first two games. The last two matches of the series will take place in Rawalpindi on April 20 and 24.