New Zealand vs Pakistan T20I Highlights: New Zealand beat Pakistan by nine wickets

Finn Allen (62) and Devon Conway (49) put on a 117-run stand for the first wicket. After Babar Azam won the toss and chose to bat, Michael Bracewell (2/11), Mitchell Santner (2/27), Tim Southee (2/31), and Ish Sodhi (1/23) held Pakistan to 130/7.

Finn Allen makes his case for the T20 World Cup 2022

With Finn Allen displaying explosive power at the top, New Zealand is giving him a solid run in the T20 World Cup instead of Martin Guptill. Finn Allen made his case for the T20 World Cup in Australia with a 31-ball half-century on a pitch where most other hitters struggled. 

Finn Allen created scoring chances by dashing out of the crease or backing away from the puck. He went full throttle when he fired a six onto Hagley Oval's ceiling. With this power pack performance, Allen justified his opening stand by replacing Martin Guptill.

Captain's Corner

New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson on the victory said, "Yes, a great performance by the lads. They are a quality side. We used the conditions better. We used the longer side of the ground and used the wind accordingly. Obviously, tougher conditions to bat on. Devon and Allen batted ultra-aggressive and broke the chase in our favour."

"We needed such a performance. Allen, to play the way he did, is amazing. The wicket was 10 days old. We have been playing here since the start of this tri-series. In a used surface, to bat the way he did was excellent to see."

Pakistan skipper Babar Azam speaks, "I think the pitch was a bit slower. We will do much better in the next match. We will have to discuss a lot of things as we have a day off now. We have made a lot of mistakes. Definitely, a bad day. We weren't at our best. Credits to Black Caps for the way they played."

The Player of the match Michael Bracewell speaks, "Yeah, I haven't tried this one yet. Will have it sometime later. Bowling in the powerplay, with just two fielders out, is a difficult job, and that too against world-class batters. Luckily a couple of shots went straight into the fielders."