NEW DELHI: Captain
Babar Azam
's solid half-century and spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi's four-wicket haul helped Pakistan secure a nine-run victory over New Zealand in the fifth and final Twenty20 International in Lahore on Saturday.
Azam's 69 off 44 balls and Fakhar Zaman's 43 off 33 balls propelled Pakistan to 178 for 5 in their 20 overs. Shaheen then took 4 for 30 to restrict New Zealand to 169 all out in 19.2 overs, leveling the series at 2-2.
However, Pakistan's win wasn't certain until the final over, as Josh Clarkson's unbeaten 38 threatened an upset, needing 12 runs.
Two run-outs in
Mohammad Amir
's over sealed the home win, much to the delight of the packed crowd at Gaddafi Stadium.
The first match of the series was abandoned, with Pakistan taking the second and New Zealand winning the third, both by identical seven-wicket margins in Rawalpindi. New Zealand claimed victory in the fourth match in Lahore by four runs.
The series served as valuable preparation for both teams ahead of the Twenty20 World Cup in the United States and West Indies in June.
While Pakistan would be disappointed not to have won a series against a depleted New Zealand side missing a host of players due to Indian Premier League, unavailability and injuries, the visitors got a boost from their bench strength.
Shaheen gave Pakistan an ideal start by dismissing Tom Blundell for four in his first over -- his 15th wicket in his opening over of a Twenty20 international -- and 50th in all T20 matches.
Tim Seifert put New Zealand back on track with an aggressive 33-ball 52 -- his ninth T20I half century containing seven boundaries and two sixes.
He added 76 for the second wicket with skipper Micheal Bracewell (23) but from 81-1 New Zealand lost four wickets in the space of 25 balls for the addition of just 22 runs.
Leg-spinner Usama Mir (2-21) had Seifert and Mark Chapman (12) while fellow spinner Shadab Khan accounted for Bracewell as New Zealand's chase was derailed.
Shaheen returned for a second spell to dismiss James Neesham (16), Zak Foulkes (nought) and Ish Sodhi (three) in successive overs.
Azam said he used different combinations to test the squad strength ahead of the World Cup.
"Look, throughout the series we tried different combinations and we wanted to see where our bench strength stands," said Azam.
"There are many good signs but we won't be complacent and will focus on improvement which is crucial in international cricket."
Bracewell was delighted that his team came out all-square.
"Pretty fair reflection of the series, pretty happy with coming over here and learning how to play in these conditions," said Bracewell who captained New Zealand for the first time.
"Credit to Pakistan, they played really well today."
Earlier, Azam saw his opening partner Saim Ayub fall in the second over for just one but that did not deter him as he added 73 for the second wicket with Usman Khan who made a brisk 24-ball 31.
Azam hit six boundaries and two sixes in his 34th T20I half-century before he was bowled by pacer Ben Sears in the 15th over.
Zaman hit four boundaries and a six before he was smartly caught by Chapman on the boundary off Foulkes as Pakistan managed 55 in the last five overs.
Shadab Khan hit a six and a four in his five-ball 15 not out.
New Zealand made three changes as they brought back Seifert, Cole McConchie and Foulkes while pace spearhead Shaheen returned for the home team.
(With inputs from AFP)
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