Mount Maunganui:
New Zealand secured a commanding 115-run win over Pakistan in the fourth T20I, sealing the five-match series 3-1. This crushing defeat marked Pakistan’s worst-ever loss in T20I history in terms of runs, surpassing their previous heaviest loss—a 95-run defeat to New Zealand in 2016.
Chasing a daunting 221-run target, Pakistan collapsed spectacularly, getting bowled out for just 105 runs in 16.2 overs. The batting unit failed to establish partnerships, with wickets tumbling at regular intervals.
Jacob Duffy struck early, dismissing Hasan Nawaz, Salman Agha, and Irfan Khan in quick succession, leaving Pakistan in deep trouble at 9 for 3 within the first two overs. Further setbacks followed as Shadab Khan and Khushdil Shah fell cheaply, pushing the visitors to 42/5 inside the powerplay.
The only resistance came from Abdul Samad, who fought valiantly with a 44-run knock off 28 balls, including four boundaries and two sixes. However, he found little support from the lower order.
Zakary Foulkes added to Pakistan’s woes, claiming 3 wickets for 25 runs, including the scalps of Shadab, Khushdil, and Shaheen Afridi. James Neesham and Ish Sodhi also chipped in with a wicket each, wrapping up the innings in dominant fashion.
New Zealand’s Batting Blitz
Earlier, New Zealand put on a formidable total of 220/6 in 20 overs after opting to bat first. Finn Allen provided a blistering start, smashing a 50 off just 20 balls at a staggering strike rate of 250.00. His opening partner Tim Seifert contributed 44 off 22, helping the hosts reach 79/1 in the powerplay.
The momentum continued with Mark Chapman (24 off 16) and Daryl Mitchell (29 off 23), while Michael Bracewell played a crucial late-innings cameo, remaining unbeaten on 46 off 26 balls.
In the final five overs, New Zealand accelerated, adding 63 runs at a run rate of 12.60 per over.
Pakistan’s Bowling Struggles
Pakistan’s bowlers had a tough time containing the explosive New Zealand batting lineup. Shaheen Afridi (0/49) and Shadab Khan (0/49) proved costly, while Haris Rauf was the standout performer, taking 3/27. Abrar Ahmed picked up 2/41, and Abbas Afridi claimed 1/38 in his three overs.
Despite multiple reviews and breakthroughs, Pakistan struggled to control New Zealand’s aggressive batting display.
Series Recap & Player Updates
- Pakistan had earlier won the third T20I in dominant fashion, chasing down 205 runs in just 16 overs. Hasan Nawaz led the charge with an unbeaten 105 off 45 balls, while Agha Salman contributed 51 off 31*.
- New Zealand pacer Matt Henry was ruled out of the fourth and fifth T20Is due to a shoulder injury sustained earlier during the Champions Trophy semi-final against South Africa.
Playing XIs
Pakistan: Mohammad Haris (wk), Hasan 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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What was Pakistan’s worst T20I defeat in terms of runs?
Pakistan’s heaviest T20I defeat came against New Zealand in 2024, when they lost by 115 runs, surpassing their previous worst—a 95-run defeat to New Zealand in 2016. - How did New Zealand secure the T20I series win?
New Zealand won the fourth T20I by 115 runs, sealing the series 3-1 with dominant performances in both batting and bowling. - Who was Pakistan’s top scorer in the fourth T20I?
Abdul Samad was Pakistan’s top scorer in the match, contributing 44 off 28 balls, but lacked support from the rest of the batting lineup. - Which bowler caused the most damage to Pakistan in the fourth T20I?
Jacob Duffy dismantled Pakistan’s top order early on, while Zakary Foulkes (3/25) and others ensured a swift collapse. - What was New Zealand’s total in the fourth T20I?
New Zealand posted a massive 220/6 in 20 overs, powered by aggressive knocks from Finn Allen, Tim Seifert, and Michael Bracewell.
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