Pakistan move 1-0 up in the five-match T20I series against New Zealand after cruising to a seven-wicket win; Mohammad Amir came out of international retirement ahead of the T20 World Cup – watch live from June 1-29 on Sky Sports Cricket
Mohammad Amir marked his first international spell in four years with a wicket from his second ball as Pakistan skittled out New Zealand for 90 on their way to a seven-wicket win in the second T20I in Rawalpindi.
Amir announced last month he was making himself available for the upcoming T20 World Cup on Sunday, having previously retired from international cricket in December 2020, with his initial comeback appearance cut short when the series opener was washed out on Thursday inside the opening over.
The 32-year-old took 2-13 from his three overs and Shaheen Shah Afridi (3-13), Shadab Khan (2-15) and Abrar Ahmed (2-15) also impressed, as a depleted New Zealand were bowled out their second-lowest T20 total against Pakistan.
Mohammad Rizwan fired an unbeaten 45 off 34 balls in reply, as Pakistan chased down their modest target inside 12.1 overs and moved 1-0 up in the five-match series.
Pakistan move ahead in Rawalpindi
New Zealand – missing nine frontline players at the Indian Premier League – struggled to cope with Pakistan’s experienced bowling attack, with Mark Chapman top-scoring with 19 as the tourists were bowled out in 18.1 overs.
Amir took the pace off off his second delivery to Tim Robinson, who got the toe end of the bat and was caught at short cover in the second over, with New Zealand slipping to 35-3 inside the power play.
Leg-spinners Abrar and Shadab finished with identical figures as they strangled the middle order with some sharp deliveries, while Afridi wrapped up the innings with his searing yorkers just after New Zealand passed its previous lowest T20 total of 80 against Pakistan in 2010 at Christchurch.
Ben Lister made a spectacular two-handed diving catch off his follow through to dismiss Saim Ayub on four off the second ball of Pakistan’s chase, while captain Babar Azam struck three boundaries in his 14 before New Zealand skipper Michael Bracewell got him stumped off a quicker delivery inside the batting power play.
Usman Khan got a big inside edge and was bowled by Ish Sodhi for seven at 56-3, before Rizwan and Irfan Khan (18 not out), guided Pakistan home to a convincing victory.
Rawalpindi will host the third game on Sunday, and the series moves to Lahore for the remaining games on Thursday and Saturday.
When are England back live on Sky Sports?
Sky Sports brings you all the action from England’s upcoming cricket games in 2024, including the T20 World Cup, two Test series against West Indies and Sri Lanka at home and Australia’s white-ball tour.
Here is what you can look forward to next summer on Sky Sports Cricket, including T20 World Cups and The Hundred
England will face Pakistan from May 22-30 in four T20 matches across the country, ahead of their World Cup campaign beginning against Scotland on June 4. The defending champions also have Australia, Oman and Namibia in their group.
The tournament begins on June 1 when Canada host USA, with Pakistan also in their group alongside India and Ireland. View the full fixture list of the T20 World Cup here, with all the games available to watch live on Sky Sports.
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