Mount Maunganui (Web Desk): Pakistan’s hopes of keeping the series alive were shattered in a stunning defeat as they were bowled out for just 105, falling short by 150 runs in the fourth T20I against New Zealand at Mount Maunganui.
Chasing a challenging target of 221, the visitors were no match for the Black Caps' relentless bowling attack and were dismissed in the 17th over, leaving the series all but decided in favor of the hosts.
From the outset, Pakistan’s batting crumbled under pressure. The top order collapsed in a heap, and within just five overs, they found themselves at a precarious 34 for 4.
Openers Mohammad Haris and Hassan Nawaz could only muster a total of three runs between them, and when skipper Salman Ali Agha and Shadab Khan fell for a combined two runs, the writing was on the wall. Irfan Khan Niazi fought valiantly, top-scoring with 24 runs off 16 balls, but was left stranded as wickets tumbled at the other end.
The rest of the line-up simply couldn’t build any resistance, with the entire team wrapped up by the 17th over.
Earlier, Pakistan’s bowlers had put up a spirited effort to keep New Zealand in check. Although they applied pressure early on, Michael Bracewell and Daryl Mitchell combined to lay a solid foundation, with the pair contributing a 50-run partnership.
Despite a brief breakthrough from Haris Rauf and Irfan Khan, New Zealand’s middle order continued to pummel the ball, taking full advantage of the conditions. The Kiwis eventually posted a daunting 220 for 6, thanks to some strong hitting in the latter stages.
The toss went Pakistan’s way, and with New Zealand having comfortably chased in the previous three games, it seemed like the right decision to put the hosts in to bat first.
However, despite an encouraging start with the ball, the visitors were unable to capitalize on their efforts and found themselves outclassed by the Black Caps, who now hold a commanding position in the series.
Teams
New Zealand: Tim Seifert, Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Mitchell Hay, Michael Bracewell (capt), Ish Sodhi, Zak Foulkes, Jacob Duffy, Will O’Rourke
Pakistan: Mohammad Haris, Hasan Nawaz, Salman Agha (capt), Irfan Khan, Shadab Khan, Abdul Samad, Khushdil Shah, Abbas Afridi, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed
