New Zealand clinches dramatic win over Pakistan in third T20I, James Neesham shines in final over against Iftikhar’s brilliant innings.
All-rounder James Neesham scored four runs to help New Zealand defeat Pakistan in the third T20 international on Monday in Lahore. Despite Iftikhar Ahmed’s remarkable 60 runs off 24 balls, which drew Pakistan back into the game after they were trailing New Zealand by 88-7 in the penultimate over, Neesham held his nerve in the final over. Ahmed smashed a six and a four in the final three deliveries, lowering the aim to only five runs off the final six balls. However, Neesham dismissed Ahmed and Haris Rauf in quick succession, securing New Zealand’s victory. “It was a great game, and it’s satisfying to cross the finish line and keep the series alive.”
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Despite Iftikhar Ahmed’s magnificent effort, New Zealand defeated Pakistan by four runs in the third T20 international at Lahore. Ahmed hit a blazing 60 off 24 balls, including six sixes and three fours, to lift Pakistan from 88-7 to within striking distance of victory. However, in the penultimate over, James Neesham held his nerve and had Ahmed caught at long-on by Daryl Mitchell, before dismissing last man Haris Rauf in the same fashion. New Zealand’s innings were led by skipper Tom Latham’s 64 runs, and they scored 51 runs in the final five overs to set a target of 163-5. New Zealand now trails the five-match series 2-1, and the final two games will be played in Rawalpindi on April 20 and 24.