Babar Azam reveals reason behind sending Iftikhar Ahmed at number eight

Pakistan captain, Babar Azam, has revealed the reason behind sending Iftikhar Ahmed at number eight in batting order against New Zealand in third T20I on Monday at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

In the post-match interview after losing the match by four runs, Pakistan captain highlighted Iftikhar's versatility as a batsman, stating that he was capable of batting at any number in the order and that the specific number did not matter.

"We've kept our batting order flexible. We went with what we thought was best at that time. Iftikhar Ahmed and Faheem Ashraf were outstanding. We're playing a deep batting lineup so that we can send anyone at any time. Iftikhar can bat at any number - numbers don't matter," said Babar.

Iftikhar brought Pakistan back into the contest from 88-7 with a whirlwind 24-ball 60 as they attempted to chase down New Zealand's 163-5.

Needing 15 to win from Neesham's final over, he hit a six and a four to reduce the target to five off the last three deliveries.

But Neesham had Ahmed caught at long-on by Daryl Mitchell and then after a dot ball dismissed last man Haris Rauf in the same manner.

Iftikhar led the fightback with Faheem as the pair added 61 for the eighth wicket, with Ashraf holing out after a 14-ball 27 studded with two sixes and as many fours.

Iftikhar smashed six sixes and three fours.

The victory means New Zealand trail the five-match series 2-1 after Pakistan won the first two games, by 88 and 38 runs, also in Lahore.

The last two matches are in Rawalpindi on April 20 and 24.