Pakistan lost the game by just four runs despite the 32-year-old scoring a 24-ball 60, where he smashed six maximums and three boundaries.

His effort with the bat in the lower order was praised by fans and cricket greats including former captain Shahid Afridi.

In an appreciation tweet, Afridi wrote: “You are not chacha for me Iftikhar you are boom boom but I wish that you had finished the match and make yourselves a memorable inning. Overall well played, it was good cricket overall, the fans enjoyed it. Well done PCB and thank you for coming to New Zealand to Pakistan.”

Iftikhar thanked the former captain for his love and recognition.

“Thank you Lala for the love and recognition. Yeh meray liye bohat izzat aur fakhar ke baat hai keh Boom Boom khud mujhe apne naam se refer kar rahe hai [This is a proud moment for me that Boom Boom himself referring me with this title].”

It is worth mentioning here that Iftikhar is commonly known as “Chacha” or “IftiMania” in Pakistan cricket.