New Zealand lastly received a match within the five-match collection towards Pakistan and managed to maintain the collection alive. Simply once they wanted a win in an effort to have an opportunity at successful the collection — since Pakistan has received two matches to this point — their staff got here via and succeeded with an in depth four-run win within the third T20i at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore final night time.
However one Pakistani made positive the Kiwis had a tough time incomes that win. Iftikhar Ahmed’s fiery batting received the hearts of Twitter, regardless of the nationwide aspect dropping the match.
New Zealand stored choosing wickets at common intervals, decreasing Pakistan to 88-7 just for Iftikhar to smash 60 off 24 balls, forging a 61-run partnership with Faheem Ashraf and forcing a grandstand end.
Faheem fell after hitting two sixes and as many fours within the penultimate over however Pakistan was nonetheless well-placed with Iftikhar on the crease. Sadly, Iftikhar, who slammed six sixes and three fours, was caught on the fourth ball of the ultimate over and Pakistan was dismissed for 159.
Regardless of the loss, cricket followers are celebrating Iftikhar’s efficiency. In different phrases, ‘Ifti-mania’ has taken over.
Peshawar Zalmi’s Muhammad Haris and cricketer Saeed Ajmal additionally praised the batsman.
The 32-year-old is known as ‘chacha’ (or a variation of the phrase) out of endearment.
Some customers expressed disappointment that his superb efficiency couldn’t get the aspect a victory.
However hey, the batter gave his all.
His efficiency was greater than sufficient for followers to demand his placement at quantity sixth place within the upcoming World Cup squad.
Individuals questioned why the batsman was despatched in at quantity eight. They consider Iftikhar ought to’ve gone at quantity six or larger, probably altering the result of the match.
