All-rounder James Neesham held his nerve in the final over to give New Zealand a dramatic four-run win over Pakistan in the third T20 international in Lahore on Monday despite Iftikhar Ahmed's brilliant innings.

Ahmed brought Pakistan back into the contest from 88-7 with a whirlwind 24-ball 60 as they attempted to chase down New Zealand's 163-5.

Needing 15 to win from Neesham's final over, he hit a six and a four to reduce the target to five off the last three deliveries.

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But Neesham had Ahmed caught at long-on by Daryl Mitchell and then after a dot ball dismissed last man Haris Rauf in the same manner.

"It was a great game and it's satisfying to get across the line and keep the series alive," said visiting captain Tom Latham.

"I think the whole squad will take a lot of confidence from this match moving forward.

"The three early Pakistan wickets in the powerplay set us up and we pride ourselves on our fielding and keep the bar high every time we set foot into the middle."

Ahmed led the fightback with Faheem Ashraf as the pair added 61 for the eighth wicket, with Ashraf holing out after a 14-ball 27 studded with two sixes and as many fours.

Ahmed smashed six sixes and three fours.

The victory means New Zealand trail the five-match series 2-1 after Pakistan won the first two games, by 88 and 38 runs, also in Lahore.

The last two matches are in Rawalpindi on April 20 and 24.

Pakistan lost wickets at regular intervals with prolific opening pair Babar Azam (one) and Mohammad Rizwan (six) both gone by the fourth over with the score on just 17.

Azam was caught at third man off pacer Adam Milne while Rizwan was found short of his crease after trying to take a sharp single.

Pakistan were further jolted by left-arm spinner Rachin Ravindra who dismissed Fakhar Zaman (17) and Imad Wasim for three while Saim Ayub fell to Neesham for 10.

Ish Sodhi dismissed Shaheen Shah Afridi for six and Milne accounted for Shadab Khan for 16, leaving Pakistan reeling.

The hosts battled back thanks to Ahmed, but were bowled out from the final ball on 159.

"We didn't bat well enough tonight," said Pakistan skipper Azam. "We kept losing wickets at crucial stages, because of which the pressure kept building throughout the run chase, but our bowling has been superb this series."

Earlier, New Zealand's innings was anchored by Latham's 64 after winning the toss.

Latham, who hit seven fours and two sixes, added 65 for the third wicket with Mitchell who scored a 26-ball 33.

Mark Chapman made 16 not out off nine balls as New Zealand managed to score 51 in the last five overs.

Shaheen -- playing his 50th T20I -- took 2-33 while his fellow pacer Rauf finished with 2-31.

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All-rounder James Neesham held his nerve in the final over to give New Zealand a dramatic four-run win over Pakistan in the third T20 international in Lahore on Monday despite Iftikhar Ahmed's brilliant innings.

All-rounder James Neesham held his nerve in the final over to give New Zealand a dramatic four-run win over Pakistan in the third T20 international in Lahore on Monday despite Iftikhar Ahmed's brilliant innings. Ahmed brought Pakistan back into the contest from 88-7 with a whirlwind 24-ball 60 as they attempted to chase down New Zealand's 163-5. Needing 15 to win from Neesham's final over, he hit a six and a four to reduce the target to five off the last three deliveries. Also Read: English Test captain Ben Stokes named Wisden's 2022 Cricketer of the Year But Neesham had Ahmed caught at long-on by Daryl Mitchell and then after a dot ball dismissed last man Haris Rauf in the same manner. "It was a great game and it's satisfying to get across the line and keep the series alive," said visiting captain Tom Latham. "I think the whole squad will take a lot of confidence from this match moving forward. "The three early Pakistan wickets in the powerplay set us up and we pride ourselves on our fielding and keep the bar high every time we set foot into the middle." Ahmed led the fightback with Faheem Ashraf as the pair added 61 for the eighth wicket, with Ashraf holing out after a 14-ball 27 studded with two sixes and as many fours. Ahmed smashed six sixes and three fours. The victory means New Zealand trail the five-match series 2-1 after Pakistan won the first two games, by 88 and 38 runs, also in Lahore. The last two matches are in Rawalpindi on April 20 and 24. Pakistan lost wickets at regular intervals with prolific opening pair Babar Azam (one) and Mohammad Rizwan (six) both gone by the fourth over with the score on just 17. Azam was caught at third man off pacer Adam Milne while Rizwan was found short of his crease after trying to take a sharp single. Pakistan were further jolted by left-arm spinner Rachin Ravindra who dismissed Fakhar Zaman (17) and Imad Wasim for three while Saim Ayub fell to Neesham for 10. Ish Sodhi dismissed Shaheen Shah Afridi for six and Milne accounted for Shadab Khan for 16, leaving Pakistan reeling. The hosts battled back thanks to Ahmed, but were bowled out from the final ball on 159. "We didn't bat well enough tonight," said Pakistan skipper Azam. "We kept losing wickets at crucial stages, because of which the pressure kept building throughout the run chase, but our bowling has been superb this series." Earlier, New Zealand's innings was anchored by Latham's 64 after winning the toss. Latham, who hit seven fours and two sixes, added 65 for the third wicket with Mitchell who scored a 26-ball 33. Mark Chapman made 16 not out off nine balls as New Zealand managed to score 51 in the last five overs. Shaheen -- playing his 50th T20I -- took 2-33 while his fellow pacer Rauf finished with 2-31. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

NZ vs PAK: Kiwis win 3rd T20I after Iftikhar scare, host lead series 2-1

Trent Boult was breathing fire in Rajasthan Royals' (RR) face-off versus KL Rahul-led Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in match 20 of the IPL 2022 edition on Sunday evening (April 10). After Sanju Samson-led RR were asked to bat first and they rode on Shimron Hetmyer's 59 to post 165-6, Boult's opening spell tilted the game in RR's favour before they eventually won the close contest by three runs, at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.

As Rahul &amp; Co. came out to bat in their 166-run chase, the Lucknow skipper was left gobsmacked with an absolute peach of an inswinger from the New Zealand speedster. Thus, he was dismissed off the first ball of the run-chase before Boult also claimed Krishnappa Gowtham's wicket. He ended with 4-0-30-2 whereas Yuzvendra Chahal returned with 4 for 41 to take RR to a 3-run win.

Here's the video of Rahul's dismissal by Boult:

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Kl Rahul out on a golden duck 😱😱😱😭😭😭😭🥹🥹🥹🥲🥲<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LSGvRR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LSGvRR</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2022?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2022</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KKRvsDC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KKRvsDC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL</a> <a href="https://t.co/N5jOesAmVW">pic.twitter.com/N5jOesAmVW</a>
— ᎪᎷᏆͲ ᏦႮᎷᎪᎡ (@AmitKum50993580) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitKum50993580/status/1513192523040141312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2022</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2022-trent-boult-leaves-kl-rahul-gobsmacked-with-an-absolute-jaffa-in-lsgs-run-chase-versus-rr-watch-470143">IPL 2022: Trent Boult leaves KL Rahul gobsmacked with an absolute jaffa in LSG's run-chase versus RR - WATCH</a>

While many thought it was Sri Lanka's former pacer and RR's current fast bowling coach Lasith Malinga's idea to ask Boult to bowl an inswinger from round the wicket, the Kiwi revealed the real mastermind and credited his compatriot James Neesham -- who was warming the RR bench -- for the memorable wicket.

At the post-match presentation, Boult revealed, "It was a late call at breakfast, and it was Jimmy Neesham's idea to go with that plan against KL Rahul. I don't want to give him too much credit (laughs). My role with the new ball is to take as many wickets as possible. It's a pretty simple game for me at the top and get it to swing. The humidity and the overheads assisted it."

Meanwhile, Rahul opined on the unplayable delivery and said, "I didn't see it (the ball that got him from Boult), if I did I could have done something about it. Have to give it to him. Was a good ball."

Trent Boult was breathing fire in Rajasthan Royals' (RR) face-off versus KL Rahul-led Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in match 20 of the IPL 2022 edition on Sunday evening (April 10).

Trent Boult was breathing fire in Rajasthan Royals' (RR) face-off versus KL Rahul-led Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in match 20 of the IPL 2022 edition on Sunday evening (April 10). After Sanju Samson-led RR were asked to bat first and they rode on Shimron Hetmyer's 59 to post 165-6, Boult's opening spell tilted the game in RR's favour before they eventually won the close contest by three runs, at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. As Rahul & Co. came out to bat in their 166-run chase, the Lucknow skipper was left gobsmacked with an absolute peach of an inswinger from the New Zealand speedster. Thus, he was dismissed off the first ball of the run-chase before Boult also claimed Krishnappa Gowtham's wicket. He ended with 4-0-30-2 whereas Yuzvendra Chahal returned with 4 for 41 to take RR to a 3-run win. Here's the video of Rahul's dismissal by Boult: Kl Rahul out on a golden duck 😱😱😱😭😭😭😭🥹🥹🥹🥲🥲#LSGvRR #IPL2022 #KKRvsDC #IPL pic.twitter.com/N5jOesAmVW — ᎪᎷᏆͲ ᏦႮᎷᎪᎡ (@AmitKum50993580) April 10, 2022 × ALSO READ | IPL 2022: Trent Boult leaves KL Rahul gobsmacked with an absolute jaffa in LSG's run-chase versus RR - WATCH While many thought it was Sri Lanka's former pacer and RR's current fast bowling coach Lasith Malinga's idea to ask Boult to bowl an inswinger from round the wicket, the Kiwi revealed the real mastermind and credited his compatriot James Neesham -- who was warming the RR bench -- for the memorable wicket. At the post-match presentation, Boult revealed, "It was a late call at breakfast, and it was Jimmy Neesham's idea to go with that plan against KL Rahul. I don't want to give him too much credit (laughs). My role with the new ball is to take as many wickets as possible. It's a pretty simple game for me at the top and get it to swing. The humidity and the overheads assisted it." Meanwhile, Rahul opined on the unplayable delivery and said, "I didn't see it (the ball that got him from Boult), if I did I could have done something about it. Have to give it to him. Was a good ball."

Not Lasith Malinga! Trent Boult reveals mastermind behind KL Rahul's dismissal in RR-LSG tie

Rajasthan Royals will be aiming to get back to winning ways as they take on tournament debutants Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 on Sunday. After two brilliant victories in the competition, Sanju Samson &amp; Co succumbed to a loss against Royal Challengers Bangalore.<o:p></o:p>

Batting has been a strong point for the Royals as Jos Buttler looks in brilliant form with Sanju Samson, Shimron Hetmyer and Devdutt Pallikal getting good starts in multiple matches. On paper, the bowling is excellent but they failed to defend a good total against the RCB onslaught.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;</o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-no-reason-why-kolkata-knight-riders-cannot-win-the-ipl-this-year-says-sam-billings-469688" hreflang="en">Exclusive | No reason why KKR cannot win the IPL this year, says Sam Billings</a><o:p></o:p>

Against Lucknow Super Giants, Jos Buttler is once again expected to open the innings with youngster Yashasvi Jaiswal with Devdutt Pallikal looking to regain his form at the No. 3 batting position.<o:p></o:p>

Skipper Sanju Samson and Shimron Hetmyer will be part of the strong middle order and if Buttler &amp; Co can give a good start to the team, they will be free to play their natural aggressive game.<o:p></o:p>

The one change that may take place in the playing XI is the introduction of New Zealand all-rounder James Neesham in place of Riyan Parag. Royals have not played their full quota of four foreigners till now and this change will strengthen their all-rounder line up even more against tricky attacks.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;</o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-virat-kohli-left-fuming-as-baby-ab-dewald-brevis-dismisses-him-off-first-ball-in-ipl-2022-469920" hreflang="en">WATCH: Kohli left fuming as 'Baby AB' traps him off first ball in IPL 2022</a><o:p></o:p>

In the bowling department, Yuzvendra Chahal and Ravichandran Ashwin remain a formidable spin duo while Trent Boult, Navdeep Saina and Prasidh Krishna will be the preferred pace attack.<o:p></o:p>

Rajasthan Royals predicted XI: Jos Buttler, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Devdutt Pallikal, Sanju Samson, Shimron Hetmyer, James Neesham, Ravichandran Ashwin, Trent Boult, Navdeep Saini, Yuzvendra Chahal, Prasidh Krishna <o:p></o:p>

Rajasthan Royals will be aiming to get back to winning ways as they take on tournament debutants Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 on Sunday.

Rajasthan Royals will be aiming to get back to winning ways as they take on tournament debutants Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 on Sunday. After two brilliant victories in the competition, Sanju Samson & Co succumbed to a loss against Royal Challengers Bangalore. Batting has been a strong point for the Royals as Jos Buttler looks in brilliant form with Sanju Samson, Shimron Hetmyer and Devdutt Pallikal getting good starts in multiple matches. On paper, the bowling is excellent but they failed to defend a good total against the RCB onslaught. Also read | Exclusive | No reason why KKR cannot win the IPL this year, says Sam Billings Against Lucknow Super Giants, Jos Buttler is once again expected to open the innings with youngster Yashasvi Jaiswal with Devdutt Pallikal looking to regain his form at the No. 3 batting position. Skipper Sanju Samson and Shimron Hetmyer will be part of the strong middle order and if Buttler & Co can give a good start to the team, they will be free to play their natural aggressive game. The one change that may take place in the playing XI is the introduction of New Zealand all-rounder James Neesham in place of Riyan Parag. Royals have not played their full quota of four foreigners till now and this change will strengthen their all-rounder line up even more against tricky attacks. Also read | WATCH: Kohli left fuming as 'Baby AB' traps him off first ball in IPL 2022 In the bowling department, Yuzvendra Chahal and Ravichandran Ashwin remain a formidable spin duo while Trent Boult, Navdeep Saina and Prasidh Krishna will be the preferred pace attack. Rajasthan Royals predicted XI: Jos Buttler, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Devdutt Pallikal, Sanju Samson, Shimron Hetmyer, James Neesham, Ravichandran Ashwin, Trent Boult, Navdeep Saini, Yuzvendra Chahal, Prasidh Krishna

IPL 2022: Debut for James Neesham? Rajasthan Royals predicted XI against Lucknow Super Giants

From Maxwell to Cummins: Most expensive flops of IPL 2020!

Known for his tongue-in-cheek take on life and cricket, New Zealand all-rounder Jimmy Neesham feels focussing on the funny side of things helps him cope with difficult situations like the COVID-19 pandemic currently sweeping through the world.

The coronavirus outbreak, which started in the Chinese city of Wuhan, has brought the entire world to a standstill. The deadly contagion has infected more than 20 lakh people while causing over one lakh deaths across the globe.

Asked about the role humour plays in handling difficulties, the Black Caps pacer, who keeps his fans entertained with witty one-liners on his social media accounts, said it is vital when the going gets tough.

"I think it's probably right out there, the most important one. The sport we play and the career I have had, there's plenty of downs and you've got to see the bright, funny side of it otherwise you'll just go into a dark hole," Neesham said on 'Inside my bubble' podcast.

"I'm certainly used to tough situations and this is another one. All things pass eventually and we should keep smiling and laughing and we'll all be in a better place and good to go once we come out the other side," he added.

Last month, New Zealand's ODI away series against Australia was called off after the first match and the visiting team was sent home owing to the fast-spreading virus.

Talking about the chain of events leading to the series being called off, the 29-year-old said he was amazed how quickly the situation changed.

"We were in Sydney for the ODI series and we joked about what was going on at the airport but the amount that it escalated to in the six-seven days was unbelievable.

"We played on Friday and on Saturday we were called for a meeting at two and by three we were on the bus to the airport. It was pretty quick and we were lucky to have reached home," Neesham said.

Before heading back home, the Black Caps played one ODI, which was held without any spectators.

"It was bizarre, totally different. At one point I was at long on and I could hear one security guard talking on his walkie talkie and I could also hear the voice of the other security guard on the other side of the ground. It was very strange," he recalled.

It's been little over nine months since New Zealand lost the ODI World Cup to England and the heartache of that narrow defeat still hasn't subsided, said Neesham.

Neesham scored 13 of the Black Caps' 15 runs in the dramatic tied Super Over at Lord's in July but was helpless at the other end as, with two needed to win off the final ball, Martin Guptill was run out to hand England the title on a boundary count-back.

"I thought it would soften over time but it hasn't. Maybe it will get better over the next few years," he said.

Known for his tongue-in-cheek take on life and cricket, New Zealand all-rounder Jimmy Neesham feels focussing on the funny side of things helps him cope with difficult situations like the COVID-19 pandemic currently sweeping through the world.

Known for his tongue-in-cheek take on life and cricket, New Zealand all-rounder Jimmy Neesham feels focussing on the funny side of things helps him cope with difficult situations like the COVID-19 pandemic currently sweeping through the world. The coronavirus outbreak, which started in the Chinese city of Wuhan, has brought the entire world to a standstill. The deadly contagion has infected more than 20 lakh people while causing over one lakh deaths across the globe. Asked about the role humour plays in handling difficulties, the Black Caps pacer, who keeps his fans entertained with witty one-liners on his social media accounts, said it is vital when the going gets tough. "I think it's probably right out there, the most important one. The sport we play and the career I have had, there's plenty of downs and you've got to see the bright, funny side of it otherwise you'll just go into a dark hole," Neesham said on 'Inside my bubble' podcast. "I'm certainly used to tough situations and this is another one. All things pass eventually and we should keep smiling and laughing and we'll all be in a better place and good to go once we come out the other side," he added. Last month, New Zealand's ODI away series against Australia was called off after the first match and the visiting team was sent home owing to the fast-spreading virus. Talking about the chain of events leading to the series being called off, the 29-year-old said he was amazed how quickly the situation changed. "We were in Sydney for the ODI series and we joked about what was going on at the airport but the amount that it escalated to in the six-seven days was unbelievable. "We played on Friday and on Saturday we were called for a meeting at two and by three we were on the bus to the airport. It was pretty quick and we were lucky to have reached home," Neesham said. Before heading back home, the Black Caps played one ODI, which was held without any spectators. "It was bizarre, totally different. At one point I was at long on and I could hear one security guard talking on his walkie talkie and I could also hear the voice of the other security guard on the other side of the ground. It was very strange," he recalled. It's been little over nine months since New Zealand lost the ODI World Cup to England and the heartache of that narrow defeat still hasn't subsided, said Neesham. Neesham scored 13 of the Black Caps' 15 runs in the dramatic tied Super Over at Lord's in July but was helpless at the other end as, with two needed to win off the final ball, Martin Guptill was run out to hand England the title on a boundary count-back. "I thought it would soften over time but it hasn't. Maybe it will get better over the next few years," he said.

Humour most important in getting through difficult situations, says James Neesham

Fast bowlers Tim Southee and James Neesham ran through India&#39;s middle order to help New Zealand to a 19-run series-levelling win in the fourth one-day international in Ranchi on Wednesday.

Earlier opener Martin Guptill scored a gritty half-century to drive New Zealand to 260 for seven after electing to bat first.

&quot;Coming here, we had to decide between dew that may or may not come in versus the deterioration. The dew didn&#39;t come in, so that perhaps worked in our favour,&quot; skipper Kane Williamson said of his decision to defend the score.

Southee hurt India&#39;s reply with an early wicket but Ajinkya Rahane (57) and Virat Kohli (45) put on 79 runs for the second wicket to steady the chase.

Kohli dominated his stay at the crease with two fours and a six before his innings was cut short by leg-spinner Ish Sodhi who got the star batsman caught behind.

Skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who is trying to make the number four slot his own, walked out to a rousing welcome in his hometown Ranchi.

Neesham soon swung into action with two big wickets of Rahane and Dhoni as India&#39;s chase began to fall apart.&nbsp;

Southee (3-40) and Neesham (2-38) shared five wickets between them to bowl out India for 241 runs in 48.4 overs.

The fifth and final game of the series is slated for Saturday in Visakhapatnam.

&quot;India is a great side, it is exciting to go 2-2 into the final match,&quot; New Zealand captain said.&nbsp;

(AFP) 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

New Zealand bowlers, Southee and Neesham derailed the Indian batting order, helping the side win the crucial series equaliser at Ranchi

Fast bowlers Tim Southee and James Neesham ran through India's middle order to help New Zealand to a 19-run series-levelling win in the fourth one-day international in Ranchi on Wednesday. Earlier opener Martin Guptill scored a gritty half-century to drive New Zealand to 260 for seven after electing to bat first. "Coming here, we had to decide between dew that may or may not come in versus the deterioration. The dew didn't come in, so that perhaps worked in our favour," skipper Kane Williamson said of his decision to defend the score. Southee hurt India's reply with an early wicket but Ajinkya Rahane (57) and Virat Kohli (45) put on 79 runs for the second wicket to steady the chase. Kohli dominated his stay at the crease with two fours and a six before his innings was cut short by leg-spinner Ish Sodhi who got the star batsman caught behind. Skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who is trying to make the number four slot his own, walked out to a rousing welcome in his hometown Ranchi. Neesham soon swung into action with two big wickets of Rahane and Dhoni as India's chase began to fall apart. Southee (3-40) and Neesham (2-38) shared five wickets between them to bowl out India for 241 runs in 48.4 overs. The fifth and final game of the series is slated for Saturday in Visakhapatnam. "India is a great side, it is exciting to go 2-2 into the final match," New Zealand captain said. (AFP)

Cricket: New Zealand beat India by 19 runs in 4th ODI

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