Pakistan has thumped New Zealand by five wickets in a low-scoring thriller at Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Asif Ali’s power-hitting and Shoaib Malik’s patience during the chase helped the Men in Green chase down the 135-run target after Haris Rauf laid a perfect platform to restrict New Zealand to 134/8. Pakistan captain Babar Azam repeated the pattern from the last match as he called to bowl first against Blackcaps at the toss.

The openers started cautiously against Pakistan bowlers. Martin Guptill (17) was the first to be dismissed courtesy of sheer pace from Haris, ratting his stumps in the final over of the powerplay. Pakistan will now play Afghanistan on October 29 at Dubai International Stadium.