Pakistan beat New Zealand by 5 wickets to win tri-series

Powered by Mohammad Nawaz and Haider Ali with the bat, Pakistan chased down 164 vs New Zealand with three balls to go and won the Tri-series ahead of the all-important T20 World Cup. 

After his 45 from 20 balls in Pakistan's seven-wicket win over Bangladesh a day earlier, Nawaz established himself as a key member of the Pakistan middle order heading into the Twenty20 World Cup in Australia.

The final see-sawed through both innings: New Zealand was on target for a more substantial score before



faltering against Pakistan's late bowling and finishing with 163-7. Pakistan made a solid start, then also wavered at times before Nawaz provided the final impetus for the win.

He found a dependable partner in Iftikhar Ahmed, who made 25 from 14 balls in an unbroken fifth-wicket partnership of 36.

"I just backed myself yesterday and today on the basis of what I've done in the nets," Nawaz said. "I had belief in myself and I was backing myself to go in with a clear mind. We are looking forward to the World Cup now."