Pakistan lost to New Zealand by 79 runs in the second and penultimate ODI, in Karachi, as the Black Caps levelled the three-match series with the finale on Friday (January 13). After dismissing NZ for 261, after they were comfortably placed at 183 for 1, Babar Azam &amp; Co. were bundled out for a paltry 182 in 43 overs to lose by a handsome margin.&nbsp;

From Pakistan's perspective, only captain Babar got going on a pitch conducive for spinners. He, however, scored 79 off 114 balls with a strike rate of 69.30. The right-hander came out to bat in the third over and was dismissed in the 43rd over and many slammed him for his slow knock and termed him selfish. While some feel he put pressure on others, many also defended him as wickets continued to fall at regular intervals from the other end. Amid all this, former Pakistan spinner Saeed Ajmal has slammed Babar's critics.

"If Babar Azam is selfish, then we need two to three additional such players in the team. Babar Azam is a good player and any negative aspect of his game can be rectified," Ajmal was quoted as saying by India Today.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/babar-azam-is-being-forced-to-become-weak-which-is-not-good-feels-former-captain-misbah-ul-haq-551608">Babar Azam is being forced to become weak, which is not good, feels former captain Misbah-ul-Haq</a>

Ajmal also opened up on split captaincy, which is being talked about a lot in Pakistan cricket after their dismal run in home Tests in 2022. In this regard, he suggested, "There is no need for separate captains in all three formats. If they still want to do it, then they should only opt for separate captains in white and red-ball cricket."

Babar-led Pakistan take on the Kiwis in the third and final ODI on Friday at the National Stadium, Karachi. The series is interestingly poised at 1-1.

Pakistan lost to New Zealand by 79 runs in the second and penultimate ODI, in Karachi, as the Black Caps levelled the three-match series with the finale on Friday (January 13).

Pakistan lost to New Zealand by 79 runs in the second and penultimate ODI, in Karachi, as the Black Caps levelled the three-match series with the finale on Friday (January 13). After dismissing NZ for 261, after they were comfortably placed at 183 for 1, Babar Azam & Co. were bundled out for a paltry 182 in 43 overs to lose by a handsome margin. From Pakistan's perspective, only captain Babar got going on a pitch conducive for spinners. He, however, scored 79 off 114 balls with a strike rate of 69.30. The right-hander came out to bat in the third over and was dismissed in the 43rd over and many slammed him for his slow knock and termed him selfish. While some feel he put pressure on others, many also defended him as wickets continued to fall at regular intervals from the other end. Amid all this, former Pakistan spinner Saeed Ajmal has slammed Babar's critics. "If Babar Azam is selfish, then we need two to three additional such players in the team. Babar Azam is a good player and any negative aspect of his game can be rectified," Ajmal was quoted as saying by India Today. Also read: Babar Azam is being forced to become weak, which is not good, feels former captain Misbah-ul-Haq Ajmal also opened up on split captaincy, which is being talked about a lot in Pakistan cricket after their dismal run in home Tests in 2022. In this regard, he suggested, "There is no need for separate captains in all three formats. If they still want to do it, then they should only opt for separate captains in white and red-ball cricket." Babar-led Pakistan take on the Kiwis in the third and final ODI on Friday at the National Stadium, Karachi. The series is interestingly poised at 1-1.

If he is selfish, then Pakistan needs two to three such players: Saeed Ajmal slams Babar Azam's critics

After a disappointing run in Tests in 2022, Pakistan have started their 2023 season with the second and final Test versus New Zealand in Karachi. The series opener ended in a draw, where New Zealand got a healthy first-innings lead and dominated the game, whereas the final encounter is also heading towards a draw.

For quite sometime, Pakistan have been poor in Tests and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have been strongly criticised for producing poor surfaces, favouring only the batters. It was evident in the Pakistan-Australia series and also the case in the England series. As a result, Pakistan bowlers couldn't impress and their batters fell behind as compared to their counterparts' free-flowing approach. Pakistan lost 1-0 to Australia and suffered their first-ever Test series whitewash with Ben Stokes &amp; Co. hammering them 3-0.

As the New Zealand series has also been a sluggish affair, with pitches being flat as ever, former Kiwi cricketer Simon Doull made a glaring remark. He asked if&nbsp;such pitches are demanded by captain Babar Azam for him&nbsp;to improve his numbers in&nbsp;Tests.

"Where does that directive come from? Does that come from Babar who wants to bat on a road and improve his own stats?" Doull questioned. "Does it come from above him?" the co-commentator responded.

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Truth bombs💯🤣🤣 <a href="https://t.co/zoyXQSbAi5">https://t.co/zoyXQSbAi5</a> <a href="https://t.co/LCuPqARMCJ">pic.twitter.com/LCuPqARMCJ</a>
— Ibrahim (@iBM1105) <a href="https://twitter.com/iBM1105/status/1610850748257935361?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pak-vs-nz-babar-azam-run-out-after-horrible-mix-up-with-imam-ul-haq-on-day-2-of-2nd-test-watch-549116">Pak vs NZ: Babar Azam run-out after horrible mix-up with Imam-ul-Haq on Day 2 of 2nd Test - Watch</a>

Talking about the second and final Test, in Karachi, Tim Southee-led NZ opted to bat first and rode on Devon Conway's 122 and their tail-enders to post 449. In reply, Pakistan managed 408 and the Kiwis have now taken the overall lead beyond the 200-run mark towards the close of the fourth and penultimate day's play.

The visitors will look for quick runs in the remainder of Day 4 and bat a few overs on the final day before asking Pakistan to come out and chase a competitive score.&nbsp;At present, a result looks tough on such a surface.

After a disappointing run in Tests in 2022, Pakistan have started their 2023 season with the second and final Test versus New Zealand in Karachi. The series opener ended in a draw, where New Zealand got a healthy first-innings lead and dominated the game, whereas the final encounter is also heading towards a draw.

After a disappointing run in Tests in 2022, Pakistan have started their 2023 season with the second and final Test versus New Zealand in Karachi. The series opener ended in a draw, where New Zealand got a healthy first-innings lead and dominated the game, whereas the final encounter is also heading towards a draw. For quite sometime, Pakistan have been poor in Tests and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have been strongly criticised for producing poor surfaces, favouring only the batters. It was evident in the Pakistan-Australia series and also the case in the England series. As a result, Pakistan bowlers couldn't impress and their batters fell behind as compared to their counterparts' free-flowing approach. Pakistan lost 1-0 to Australia and suffered their first-ever Test series whitewash with Ben Stokes & Co. hammering them 3-0. As the New Zealand series has also been a sluggish affair, with pitches being flat as ever, former Kiwi cricketer Simon Doull made a glaring remark. He asked if such pitches are demanded by captain Babar Azam for him to improve his numbers in Tests. "Where does that directive come from? Does that come from Babar who wants to bat on a road and improve his own stats?" Doull questioned. "Does it come from above him?" the co-commentator responded. Truth bombs💯🤣🤣 https://t.co/zoyXQSbAi5 pic.twitter.com/LCuPqARMCJ — Ibrahim (@iBM1105) January 5, 2023 × Also read: Pak vs NZ: Babar Azam run-out after horrible mix-up with Imam-ul-Haq on Day 2 of 2nd Test - Watch Talking about the second and final Test, in Karachi, Tim Southee-led NZ opted to bat first and rode on Devon Conway's 122 and their tail-enders to post 449. In reply, Pakistan managed 408 and the Kiwis have now taken the overall lead beyond the 200-run mark towards the close of the fourth and penultimate day's play. The visitors will look for quick runs in the remainder of Day 4 and bat a few overs on the final day before asking Pakistan to come out and chase a competitive score. At present, a result looks tough on such a surface.

'Does the directive come from Babar Azam?': Simon Doull's glaring remark on Pakistan pitches during 2nd Test

Day 2 of the second and final Test between hosts Pakistan and New Zealand, in Karachi, started with the Kiwis 309/6. A century stand for the tenth-wicket saw NZ post a challenging 449 in their first innings, courtesy of Devon Conway's ton and fifties from Tom Blundell and Matt Henry. In reply, Pakistan lost two early wickets before a partnership commenced between in-form opener Imam-ul-Haq and captain Babar Azam. However, captain Babar was run-out after a hilarious mishap with his partner.

The incident took place during the 25th over. Babar and Imam had stitched a 43-run stand by then and looked set. However, a terrible mix-up led to Babar's run-out with Imam pulling out at the last moment. In the second ball of the over, bowled by&nbsp;Michael Bracewell, Imam flicked one towards mid-wicket as the duo completed two runs and looked set to steal another. Just then, Imam suddenly pulled out at the last moment with both Babar and him at the same end as Blackwell whipped off the non-striker's bails. Here's the video of the comical dismissal:

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Runout of Babar Azam With Imam ul Haq 
 
امام الحق نے پہلے کال دی پھر منع کیا... 
 
امام کو چاہیے تھا اپنی وکٹ گنوا دیتا. اپنی غلطی کے باوجود ایسے چیخ رہا جیسے ڈان بریڈ مین یہی ہے <a href="https://t.co/UambZyBa9d">pic.twitter.com/UambZyBa9d</a>
— #PTI #PtiOfficial (@PTIOfficial_Pk) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTIOfficial_Pk/status/1610241498729119744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/it-was-my-right-ex-pcb-chief-ramiz-raja-opens-up-on-misbah-waqar-sacking-before-2021-t20-wc-548747">'It was my right...': Ex-PCB chief Ramiz Raja opens up on Misbah, Waqar sacking before 2021 T20 WC</a>

While it was Imam who pulled out at the last moment, he was seen giving a mouthful to Babar before the Pakistan captain walked off in disbelief. Thus, the promising stand came to an end in a sudden way as NZ struck for the third time. They, however, couldn't inflict more damage as the home side went to stumps at 154 for 3 with Imam still batting at 74. The left-hander will have to bat out of his skin to keep Pakistan in the hunt to go past the Kiwis' first-innings score.&nbsp;

On Day 1, NZ rode on a 134-run opening stand between Conway (122) and Tom Latham. At 234 for 1, they were in a strong position before losing five wickets in the evening session to end the day's play at 309-6. However, they have posted a strong total, have Pakistan on the back foot, with Babar departing for 24, and will fancy their chances of taking a sizeable first-innings lead on Day 3 on Wednesday (January 04).

Day 2 of the second and final Test between hosts Pakistan and New Zealand, in Karachi, started with the Kiwis 309/6. A century stand for the tenth-wicket saw NZ post a challenging 449 in their first innings, courtesy of Devon Conway's ton and fifties from Tom Blundell and Matt Henry.

Day 2 of the second and final Test between hosts Pakistan and New Zealand, in Karachi, started with the Kiwis 309/6. A century stand for the tenth-wicket saw NZ post a challenging 449 in their first innings, courtesy of Devon Conway's ton and fifties from Tom Blundell and Matt Henry. In reply, Pakistan lost two early wickets before a partnership commenced between in-form opener Imam-ul-Haq and captain Babar Azam. However, captain Babar was run-out after a hilarious mishap with his partner. The incident took place during the 25th over. Babar and Imam had stitched a 43-run stand by then and looked set. However, a terrible mix-up led to Babar's run-out with Imam pulling out at the last moment. In the second ball of the over, bowled by Michael Bracewell, Imam flicked one towards mid-wicket as the duo completed two runs and looked set to steal another. Just then, Imam suddenly pulled out at the last moment with both Babar and him at the same end as Blackwell whipped off the non-striker's bails. Here's the video of the comical dismissal: Runout of Babar Azam With Imam ul Haq امام الحق نے پہلے کال دی پھر منع کیا... امام کو چاہیے تھا اپنی وکٹ گنوا دیتا. اپنی غلطی کے باوجود ایسے چیخ رہا جیسے ڈان بریڈ مین یہی ہے pic.twitter.com/UambZyBa9d — #PTI #PtiOfficial (@PTIOfficial_Pk) January 3, 2023 × Also read: 'It was my right...': Ex-PCB chief Ramiz Raja opens up on Misbah, Waqar sacking before 2021 T20 WC While it was Imam who pulled out at the last moment, he was seen giving a mouthful to Babar before the Pakistan captain walked off in disbelief. Thus, the promising stand came to an end in a sudden way as NZ struck for the third time. They, however, couldn't inflict more damage as the home side went to stumps at 154 for 3 with Imam still batting at 74. The left-hander will have to bat out of his skin to keep Pakistan in the hunt to go past the Kiwis' first-innings score. On Day 1, NZ rode on a 134-run opening stand between Conway (122) and Tom Latham. At 234 for 1, they were in a strong position before losing five wickets in the evening session to end the day's play at 309-6. However, they have posted a strong total, have Pakistan on the back foot, with Babar departing for 24, and will fancy their chances of taking a sizeable first-innings lead on Day 3 on Wednesday (January 04).

Pak vs NZ: Babar Azam run-out after horrible mix-up with Imam-ul-Haq on Day 2 of 2nd Test - Watch

Runs continued to flow&nbsp;from Kane Williamson's blade on Day 4 of the first Test between Pakistan and New Zealand, in Karachi,&nbsp;on Thursday (December 29). The former skipper resumed the fourth and penultimate day's play batting on 105 along with nightwatchman Ish Sodhi with the visitors being two runs ahead of Pakistan's 438 before declaring at 612 for 9 courtesy of Williamson's brilliance.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Williamson, who gave up Test captaincy early this month, remained unbeaten on 200, off 395 balls, to register most double tons by a New Zealand batter in the format. He has surpassed former Kiwi captain and keeper Brendon McCullum to now have five double tons in whites.&nbsp;

Most double tons for NZ in Test cricket:

5* - Kane Williamson 
4 - Brendon McCullum 
3 - Stephen Fleming 
3 - Ross Taylor

Williamson came out to bat at No. 3 after a splendid 183-run opening stand between Tom Latham (113) and Devon Conway (92). He stitched valuable stands with&nbsp;Daryl Mitchell (42), Tom Blundell (47) and Sodhi (65)&nbsp; to keep the scoreboard moving while displaying utmost patience, class and grace in his knock, laced with 21 fours and a six.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/updated-icc-world-test-championship-points-table-after-australia-beat-south-africa-at-the-mcg-547600">Updated ICC World Test Championship points table after Australia beat South Africa at the MCG</a>

Most Double Centuries among Fab Four:

7 - Virat Kohli 
5 - Kane Williamson 
5 - Joe Root 
4 - Steve Smith

Courtesy of Williamson, NZ have attained a mammoth 174-run lead in the first innings and have removed Abdullah Shafique and Shan Masood early in Pakistan's second essay. Will the tourists manage to rattle Pakistan on Day 5 and produce a result in another ordinary Test pitch in Pakistan? Only time will tell...

Runs continued to flow from Kane Williamson's blade on Day 4 of the first Test between Pakistan and New Zealand, in Karachi, on Thursday (December 29). The former skipper resumed the fourth and penultimate day's play batting on 105 along with nightwatchman Ish Sodhi with the visitors being two runs ahead of Pakistan's 438 before declaring at 612 for 9 courtesy of Williamson's brilliance.

Runs continued to flow from Kane Williamson's blade on Day 4 of the first Test between Pakistan and New Zealand, in Karachi, on Thursday (December 29). The former skipper resumed the fourth and penultimate day's play batting on 105 along with nightwatchman Ish Sodhi with the visitors being two runs ahead of Pakistan's 438 before declaring at 612 for 9 courtesy of Williamson's brilliance. Williamson, who gave up Test captaincy early this month, remained unbeaten on 200, off 395 balls, to register most double tons by a New Zealand batter in the format. He has surpassed former Kiwi captain and keeper Brendon McCullum to now have five double tons in whites. Most double tons for NZ in Test cricket: 5* - Kane Williamson 4 - Brendon McCullum 3 - Stephen Fleming 3 - Ross Taylor Williamson came out to bat at No. 3 after a splendid 183-run opening stand between Tom Latham (113) and Devon Conway (92). He stitched valuable stands with Daryl Mitchell (42), Tom Blundell (47) and Sodhi (65) to keep the scoreboard moving while displaying utmost patience, class and grace in his knock, laced with 21 fours and a six. Also read: Updated ICC World Test Championship points table after Australia beat South Africa at the MCG Most Double Centuries among Fab Four: 7 - Virat Kohli 5 - Kane Williamson 5 - Joe Root 4 - Steve Smith Courtesy of Williamson, NZ have attained a mammoth 174-run lead in the first innings and have removed Abdullah Shafique and Shan Masood early in Pakistan's second essay. Will the tourists manage to rattle Pakistan on Day 5 and produce a result in another ordinary Test pitch in Pakistan? Only time will tell...

Pak vs NZ: Kane Williamson registers most double ton by a New Zealand batter during Day 4 of 1st Test

Veteran Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi is appointed as the new interim head of men's national selection committee by the PCB for the upcoming New Zealand series. After Mohammad Wasim-led panel was sacked&nbsp;following the shocking clean-sweep loss to England in Tests at home, Pakistan Cricket Board handed the responsibility to Afridi and his three-member team for one series for now.

While Abdul Razzaq and Rao Iftikhar Anjum are the other members in the panel, Haroon Rashid -&nbsp;who is the member of the Management Committee, will serve as the convener. Against the Kiwis, Pakistan will play two Tests (part of the WTC cycle) and three ODIs (part of World Cup Super League), starting in Karachi on December 26th.

Najam Sethi, who also got appointed as the new chairman of PCB following England series, replacing Ramiz Raja, threw his trust behind Afridi-led panel for making bold calls. He said, "I welcome the interim Men's National Selection Committee and have no doubts that despite limited time, they will make brave and bold decisions that will help us produce a strong and competitive side in the series against New Zealand."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/david-warner-accepts-to-be-suffering-from-mental-health-issues-ahead-of-perth-test-against-west-indies-546289">David Warner accepts to be suffering from mental health issues ahead of Perth Test against West Indies</a>

Backing Afridi to get Pakistan cricket on track after recent slump, Sethi added,&nbsp;"Shahid Afridi has been an attacking cricketer who played all his cricket with no fear. He has nearly 20 years of cricket experience, has featured in all formats with significant success and more importantly, has always backed and supported young talent. So, in our collective opinion, there is no better person than him to understand the rigours, demands and challenges of the modern day game.

"I remain confident that through his insight and knowledge of the game, he will help Pakistan select the best and most deserving players, and contribute in the side's success in the upcoming series," the new PCB chairman said.

Afridi, who had led Pakistan in the past across formats knows what it takes to win games and showcase authority. Upon getting this chance, the ex-captain thanked the PCB management and urged everyone working alongside him and on the project to have one aim in mind - help Pakistan cricket revive and win matches.

"I feel honoured to have been assigned this responsibility by the PCB Management Committee and will no stone unturned in fulfilling this responsibility to the best of my abilities. We need to get back to our winning ways and I have no doubts that through meritocratic and strategic selection decisions, we will help the national side to perform strongly in the series against New Zealand and reclaim the confidence of our fans.

"I will soon convene a meeting of the selectors and will share my plans with reference to the upcoming matches," Shahid Afridi said.

Veteran Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi is appointed as the new interim head of men's national selection committee by the PCB for the upcoming New Zealand series.

Veteran Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi is appointed as the new interim head of men's national selection committee by the PCB for the upcoming New Zealand series. After Mohammad Wasim-led panel was sacked following the shocking clean-sweep loss to England in Tests at home, Pakistan Cricket Board handed the responsibility to Afridi and his three-member team for one series for now. While Abdul Razzaq and Rao Iftikhar Anjum are the other members in the panel, Haroon Rashid - who is the member of the Management Committee, will serve as the convener. Against the Kiwis, Pakistan will play two Tests (part of the WTC cycle) and three ODIs (part of World Cup Super League), starting in Karachi on December 26th. Najam Sethi, who also got appointed as the new chairman of PCB following England series, replacing Ramiz Raja, threw his trust behind Afridi-led panel for making bold calls. He said, "I welcome the interim Men's National Selection Committee and have no doubts that despite limited time, they will make brave and bold decisions that will help us produce a strong and competitive side in the series against New Zealand." ALSO READ: David Warner accepts to be suffering from mental health issues ahead of Perth Test against West Indies Backing Afridi to get Pakistan cricket on track after recent slump, Sethi added, "Shahid Afridi has been an attacking cricketer who played all his cricket with no fear. He has nearly 20 years of cricket experience, has featured in all formats with significant success and more importantly, has always backed and supported young talent. So, in our collective opinion, there is no better person than him to understand the rigours, demands and challenges of the modern day game. "I remain confident that through his insight and knowledge of the game, he will help Pakistan select the best and most deserving players, and contribute in the side's success in the upcoming series," the new PCB chairman said. Afridi, who had led Pakistan in the past across formats knows what it takes to win games and showcase authority. Upon getting this chance, the ex-captain thanked the PCB management and urged everyone working alongside him and on the project to have one aim in mind - help Pakistan cricket revive and win matches. "I feel honoured to have been assigned this responsibility by the PCB Management Committee and will no stone unturned in fulfilling this responsibility to the best of my abilities. We need to get back to our winning ways and I have no doubts that through meritocratic and strategic selection decisions, we will help the national side to perform strongly in the series against New Zealand and reclaim the confidence of our fans. "I will soon convene a meeting of the selectors and will share my plans with reference to the upcoming matches," Shahid Afridi said.

Shahid Afridi will chair newly-appointed selection committee for upcoming New Zealand series only, PCB said

Pakistan and New Zealand squared off in the T20I tri-series final on Friday (October 14). After both sides ended with three wins and a loss each in the group stage, the two heavyweights met once again in the summit clash, which was eventually won by Babar Azam &amp; Co. by five wickets in pursuit of 164.

Opting to bowl first, at the Hagley Oval, Christchurch, the Men in Green bowlers did well to restrict Kane Williamson's New Zealand for 163-7 in 20 overs, with the skipper top-scoring with a fine 38-ball 59. Haris Rauf was the most successful bowler, with 2 for 22 at 5.50 whereas young Naseem Shah also returned with 2 for 38. Apart from his economical spell, Rauf also made heads turn by breaking power-hitter Glenn Phillips' bat with his express delivery. Here's the viral video:

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Haris Rauf firing bullets today that was Phillips’ favourite bat apparently 😂 <a href="https://t.co/8WPcVEEi1b">pic.twitter.com/8WPcVEEi1b</a>
— adi✨|| haris rauf cheerleader (@adidoescricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/adidoescricket/status/1580748722803462144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2022</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wont-pressurize-babar-azam-shoaib-malik-on-t20-wc-snub-says-dont-have-problems-with-anybody-525397">Won't pressurise Babar Azam: Shoaib Malik on T20 WC snub, says 'don’t have problems with anybody'</a>

In reply, Pakistan lost Babar for cheap (15) whereas No. 1 T20I batter Md Rizwan departed for 35. Nonetheless, Mohammad Nawaz's 22-ball 38*, Haider Ali's 31 and Iftikhar Ahmed's 14-ball 25 not out took their side home in the last over of the contest, with three balls to spare.

While Nawaz walked away with the Player-of-the-Match award for his all-round blitz, Rauf also made heads turn with his wickets and rapid delivery; breaking Phillips' willow.

Pakistan and New Zealand squared off in the T20I tri-series final on Friday (October 14). After both sides ended with three wins and a loss each in the group stage, the two heavyweights met once again in the summit clash, which was eventually won by Babar Azam & Co.

Pakistan and New Zealand squared off in the T20I tri-series final on Friday (October 14). After both sides ended with three wins and a loss each in the group stage, the two heavyweights met once again in the summit clash, which was eventually won by Babar Azam & Co. by five wickets in pursuit of 164. Opting to bowl first, at the Hagley Oval, Christchurch, the Men in Green bowlers did well to restrict Kane Williamson's New Zealand for 163-7 in 20 overs, with the skipper top-scoring with a fine 38-ball 59. Haris Rauf was the most successful bowler, with 2 for 22 at 5.50 whereas young Naseem Shah also returned with 2 for 38. Apart from his economical spell, Rauf also made heads turn by breaking power-hitter Glenn Phillips' bat with his express delivery. Here's the viral video: Haris Rauf firing bullets today that was Phillips’ favourite bat apparently 😂 pic.twitter.com/8WPcVEEi1b — adi✨|| haris rauf cheerleader (@adidoescricket) October 14, 2022 × ALSO READ | Won't pressurise Babar Azam: Shoaib Malik on T20 WC snub, says 'don’t have problems with anybody' In reply, Pakistan lost Babar for cheap (15) whereas No. 1 T20I batter Md Rizwan departed for 35. Nonetheless, Mohammad Nawaz's 22-ball 38*, Haider Ali's 31 and Iftikhar Ahmed's 14-ball 25 not out took their side home in the last over of the contest, with three balls to spare. While Nawaz walked away with the Player-of-the-Match award for his all-round blitz, Rauf also made heads turn with his wickets and rapid delivery; breaking Phillips' willow.

WATCH: Haris Rauf's delivery breaks Glenn Phillips' bat​​ in tri-series final, video goes viral

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja hinted that the New Zealand cricket board might be working to rescheduling their Pak tour after it abandoned the series last month due to "security threats".

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja hinted that the New Zealand cricket board might be working to rescheduling their Pak tour after it abandoned the series last month due to "security threats". As per the Pakistan media reports, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has contacted PCB over the rescheduling of the series and "good news will be announced within a week". The Kiwis were due to play Pakistan on September 17 in the first of three ODIs in Rawalpindi, before moving to Lahore for a five-match T20 series. After New Zealand, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) also cancelled its white-ball tours to Pakistan by the men's and women's teams due to take place this month, citing "increasing concerns about travelling to the region" and player welfare. ALSO READ | If Pakistan beat India in T20 World Cup, PCB to get blank cheque: Ramiz Raja reveals investor's BIG claim International cricket in Pakistan was suspended in the aftermath of terror attacks against the Sri Lankan side in 2009, but has slowly revived over the past two years. However, the cancellation of tours by England and New Zealand was a massive setback for the cricket-crazy nation. While speaking before the Senate Standing Committee on Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC), Raja talked about the importance of making PCB self-sufficient and future of the Pakistan cricket. During the meeting, he mentioned the New Zealand tour as he said, "The PCB may put forward its terms before the NZC by choosing the month of November in 2022 for the rescheduling of the recently postponed series." ALSO READ | 'Western arrogance': Michael Holding slams England for pulling out of Pakistan tour, says 'would not have done that to India' On being asked by committee chairman Raza Rabbani that what if PCB does "not allow" the New Zealand tour, Raja replied, "We have to live with them. But we can tell them that Pakistan can find a time window for the tour at some point in 2022." He further added that there shouldn't be any problem "if New Zealand were ready to play according to Pakistan's conditions".

New Zealand rescheduling Pakistan tour? PCB chairman Ramiz Raja drops major hint