NZ vs Pak: An interesting incident happened in the final ODI

Pakistan lost the final ODI as well and thus the hosts completed a clean sweep winning the series 5-0. They never looked comfortable in any of the matches. Though they were more competitive and got a lot closer to winning as the series progressed never quite sailed home. They lost the last match by just 15 runs an opportunity they’d have wanted to grab heading into the T20I series.

New Zealand batting first put up 271 runs on the board courtesy a century from Martin Guptill. Their most experienced batsman Ross Taylor pushed the scoreboard forward with an impressive half century. Chasing 272 runs the Men in Green faltered early in the innings.

When under the pump the lower middle order produced a fight, an effort that deserves acknowledgement. At one stage Pakistan required 19 off 10 balls but in the end, were bundled out at 256.

Batsmen exchange willows in the middle

For every batsman, the bat is his most prized possession. They get it customised with the right kind of shape and weight according to their needs. And carry a set of their own willow to ensure there are backup options in case of a need. The batters also have a favourite one they continue to use even if it is a little worn out. There have also been instances when a batsman loses his wicket soon after changing the bat.

However, in a rare instance, Pakistani batsmen in the middle exchanged their willows. After the 4th ball in the over was bowled in the 46th over, 23-year-old Mohammad Nawaz who is primarily a left-arm spinner and all-rounder Aamer Yamin the 10th wicket pair for their team switched their bats.

Nawaz immediately hit a boundary on the next ball and took a single off the last ball. However, he got out on the second ball of the next over and they had a little too much to achieve with just one wicket in hand.

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