Babar and Rizwan compile another century stand in successful T20 chase ahead of World Cup

Pakistan's star opening pair of Mohammad Rizwan and captain Babar Azam shared another century stand to seal a nail-biting win over Bangladesh on Thursday at the T20 tri-series in New Zealand.

Azam made 55 and Rizwan scored 68 to help guide Pakistan past Bangladesh’s total of 173-6 with just one ball to spare. Their stand of 101 was the fifth between the pair while chasing in T20 cricket.

Litton Das, who brushed off an early leg strain to put in a gutsy performance, and captain Shakib Al Hasan both notched up half centuries to set Pakistan 174 for victory in Christchurch.

In reply, Pakistan had to work for the win as all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz played the match-defining knock of 45 from 20 balls.

With his side needing eight runs from the final over, Nawaz delivered by scoring three twos, before securing victory with a four squeezed between point and short third-man.

Pakistan face hosts New Zealand in Friday's final while Bangladesh finish on four straight defeats in the tri-series, which is a warm-up event ahead of the Twenty20 World Cup that begins in Australia on Sunday.

In the chase, Pakistan lost Azam's wicket and that of Haider Ali in the 13th over and had to rely on Nawaz to close out the game. There were some tense moments when Rizwan holed out in the deep in the 19th over.

In the final over, Asif Ali took a streaky single from the first ball and Nawaz then completed the job.

Rizwan was named the man of the match, but he immediately paid tribute to Nawaz.

"I'd like to credit Nawaz as he made it easy in the end," said Rizwan, top-scorer with 69 runs off 56 balls. "Nawaz's innings changed the momentum. Obviously, the win gives us confidence, but New Zealand is playing at home.

“I think if you give a chance to the