MOUNT MAUNGANUI: New Zealand produced a brilliant performance to defeat Pakistan by 115 runs in the fourth T20I. After setting a mammoth target of 220/6, the New Zealand bowlers showed no mercy, bowling out Pakistan for a mere 105 runs.
The hosts set the stage with an explosive batting display, led by a brilliant half-century from Finn Allen, and contributions from Tim Seifert and captain Michael Bracewell. Despite a few setbacks, New Zealand posted a commanding total.
The Green Shirts were never going to go. The New Zealand bowlers destroyed Pakistan’s batting line-up with an aggressive spell. The visitors were bowled out cheaply, handing New Zealand a one-sided victory and a 115-run margin.
New Zealand’s explosive batting display put them in a commanding position as they scored 220 runs in the fourth T20I against the Men in Green in the series decider.
Asked to bat first, Shaheens started with a brilliant opening partnership of 59 runs in just 4.1 overs. Despite Pakistan’s efforts, the bowlers struggled to stem the flow of runs, with Haris Rauf the only standout performer. Rauf made the early breakthrough, dismissing Tim Seifert, who was in fine form, for 44 off 22 balls.
Finn Allen and Mark Chapman anchored but Rauf attacked again, removing Chapman for 24 off 16 balls, taking New Zealand to 108-2 in 8.1 overs.
Allen, without any encouragement, moved on, reaching his half-century in just 19 balls. He briefly linked up with Daryl Mitchell before a bouncer from Abbas Afridi saw Allen dismissed for 50 off 20 balls, leaving New Zealand at 134-3 after 10.1 overs.
The hosts suffered a narrow defeat soon after, losing James Neesham and Mitchell for just three runs, with Abrar Ahmed taking both wickets, and leaving New Zealand at 149-5 in 13.2 overs.
But Michael Bracewell and Daryl Mitchell turned things around with a brilliant 56-run partnership for the sixth wicket, taking New Zealand to a stunning total. Mitchell was dismissed by Rauf for 29 but Bracewell held firm, remaining unbeaten on 46 off 26 balls.
With this big total, New Zealand strengthened their bid to win the series, and put pressure on Pakistan in their chase.
For Pakistan, Haris Rauf took three wickets. Abrar Ahmed also took two wickets while Abbas Afridi took one.
A powerful display with the bat by New Zealand has set up a thrilling end to the series as they look to seal victory in the fifth and final T20I.
The Men in Green won the toss and elected to bowl first in the fourth T20I of the five-match series against New Zealand at Bay Oval on Sunday.
The match is crucial for both teams as Pakistan aim to level the series after their impressive victory in the third T20I. New Zealand, despite a heavy defeat in the previous match, still lead the series 2-1 and are looking to bounce back and tighten their grip on the series.
Pakistan vs New Zealand T20 Squad
Pakistan: Mohammad Haris (wk), Hassan Nawaz, Salman Agha (c), Irfan Khan, Shadab Khan, Abdul Samad, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.
New Zealand: Tim Seifert, Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Mitch Hay (wk), Michael Bracewell (c), Zak Foulkes, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy, Will O’Rourke.
Head-to-head record:
The two teams have faced each other 47 times in T20I cricket, with Pakistan winning 24 matches and New Zealand registering 21 victories. Two matches between the sides ended in a draw.
Pakistan’s recent form: L, A, L, L, W (most recent first)
With both teams looking to make their mark, today’s match promises to be an exciting contest as Pakistan look to bounce back while New Zealand look to maintain their series lead.
