Black Caps cruise to big win over Pakistan in T20 tri-series

The Black Caps have one foot in the T20 tri-series final after a dominant nine-wicket win over Pakistan in Christchurch on Tuesday.

Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Chasing 131 to win, New Zealand powered home with almost four overs to spare at Hagley Oval.

Opening pair Finn Allen and Devon Conway all but did it on their own, sharing in a 117-run partnership in just 13.3 overs.

Allen eventually departed, but not before belting six sixes in a typically explosive 62 from only 42 balls.

Conway played the anchor role with 49 not out from 46, finishing the game off alongside captain Kane Williamson, who was unbeaten on nine.

Earlier, a strong all-round bowling and fielding effort from the Black Caps restricted Pakistan to 130-7 from their 20 overs.

Michael Bracewell produced a standout four-over spell, taking the key wickets of openers Babar Azam (21) and Mohammad Rizwan (16) and conceding just 11 runs.

Spin partner Mitchell Santner and seamer Tim Southee also bagged two wickets, with Ish Sodhi the other wicket-taker in an impressive showing from New Zealand’s trio of tweakers.

Iftikhar Ahmed (27) and Asif Ali (25 not out) contributed down the order for Pakistan, but neither we’re able to get going as the visitors failed to clear the rope in their innings.

The result took New Zealand level with Pakistan at the top of the series standings on four points.

It also meant Bangladesh would have to beat the Black Caps on Wednesday and Pakistan on Thursday to have a chance of making Friday’s final.