Srinagar: Hosts New Zealand bounced back strongly as they thrashed Pakistan by nine wickets in the T20 match of the tri-series at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Tuesday.
After host bowlers restricted Pakistan to meagre total of 130 runs, openers helped New Zealand to chase down target in only 16.1 overs.
Earlier, Michael Bracewell took the key wickets of the Mohammad Rizwan (16) and Pakistan captain Babar Azam (21) in fine figures of two for 11 from his four overs.
Tim Southee took two wickets in two balls at the end of the innings. The veteran removed Iftikhar and Mohammad Nawaz with the first two deliveries of the final over but Mohammad Wasim survived the hat-trick ball.
Iftikhar Ahmed top scored with 27, including three fours.while Asif Ali remained not out for 25.
In reply, New Zealand were off to a flying start, courtesy of Finn Allen. The youngster hit his second T20I fifty, scoring 62 runs off 42 balls. He was removed by Shadab Khan, who is now the second-highest wicket-taker for Pakistan in T20Is with 86 wickets.
Devon Conway remained not out on 49 while skipper Kane Williamson chipped in with nine runs as they duo finished the chase in the 17th over.