Pakistan beat New Zealand in final T20I series

Pakistan managed to avoid a whitewash in the T20I series against New Zealand by securing a 42-run victory in the fifth match in Christchurch on Sunday. 

Despite New Zealand's series win of 4-1, the final match saw a spirited performance from Pakistan.

In pursuit of a target of 135 runs, New Zealand team, was initially poistioned at 53-2 but in a major collapse were boweld out for 92 runs in 17.2 overs.

Off-spinner Iftikhar Ahmed played a pivotal role for Pakistan, claiming 3-24 in four overs. Captain Shaheen Afridi and all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz also contributed with two wickets each. Glenn Phillips emerged as the top-scorer for New Zealand, accumulating 26 runs in 22 balls.

Winning the toss, Pakistan struggled to reach 134-8, facing consistent wicket losses that hindered their efforts to recover from a slow start against New Zealand's disciplined bowling attack. Seamers Tim Southee, Matt Henry, and Lockie Ferguson, along with spinner Ish Sodhi, each took two wickets.

Despite Mohammad Rizwan's top-score of 38 off 38, Pakistan struggled, recording the lowest first-innings score in the series. 

Key batter Babar Azam, enduring a tough outing, was dropped twice by Mark Chapman, managing only 13 off 24 balls.