Cricket: Under-strength Blackcaps fall short in final T20 international against Pakistan, as series ends in draw

Pakistan have squared the Twenty20 international series against the Blackcaps with a nine-run win in the fifth and final match in Lahore on Sunday (NZ time).

After NZ captain Michael Bracewell had won the toss and sent Pakistan in to bat, the hosts made their way to a total of 178/5. The Blackcaps began well but stumbled late, eventually dismissed with four balls remaining in the final over for 169. 

The result means the inexperienced Blackcaps squad - missing a slew of first-choice players, primarily due to IPL commitments - return to New Zealand with a drawn series to their name, a result few expected given the circumstances.

The hosts were guided by a superb 69 off 44 balls by dangerman Babar Azam, who shared in a 73-run second-wicket stand with Usman Khan (31 off 24).  

Opener Tim Seifert (52 off 33 balls) ensured the Blackcaps made swift start to their response, until a flurry of wickets through the middle order stifled the tourists' momentum.

Seemingly well poised for victory at 97/4 in the 12th over, Bracewell's departure triggered a collapse of four wickets for only 22 runs. 

Josh Clarkson (38no) anchored an end for New Zealand, who entered the final over needing 12 runs for victory. But a pair of run-outs ultimately ended the Blackcaps' hopes, ending the series in a stalemate.

Pakistan Shaheen Shah Afridi tormented the Blackcaps with the ball, finishing with 4/30 to be named both player of the match and the series.

The Blackcaps now begin their preparations for the Twenty20 World Cup, with their opening match against Afghanistan in Guyana scheduled for June 8. 

Pakistan have squared the Twenty20 international series against the Blackcaps with a nine-run win in the fifth and final match in Lahore on Sunday (NZ time).

After NZ captain Michael Bracewell had won the toss and sent Pakistan in to bat, the hosts made their way to a total of 178/5. The Blackcaps began well but stumbled late, eventually dismissed with four balls remaining in the final over for 169. 

The result means the inexperienced Blackcaps squad - missing a slew of first-choice players, primarily due to IPL commitments - return to New Zealand with a drawn series to their name, a result few expected given the circumstances.

The hosts were guided by a superb 69 off 44 balls by dangerman Babar Azam, who shared in a 73-run second-wicket stand with Usman Khan (31 off 24).  

Opener Tim Seifert (52 off 33 balls) ensured the Blackcaps made swift start to their response, until a flurry of wickets through the middle order stifled the tourists' momentum.

Seemingly well poised for victory at 97/4 in the 12th over, Bracewell's departure triggered a collapse of four wickets for only 22 runs. 

Josh Clarkson (38no) anchored an end for New Zealand, who entered the final over needing 12 runs for victory. But a pair of run-outs ultimately ended the Blackcaps' hopes, ending the series in a stalemate.

Pakistan Shaheen Shah Afridi tormented the Blackcaps with the ball, finishing with 4/30 to be named both player of the match and the series.

The Blackcaps now begin their preparations for the Twenty20 World Cup, with their opening match against Afghanistan in Guyana scheduled for June 8. 

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