5th T20: Pakistan set 129-run target for New Zealand 

Wellington (Web Desk): In the fifth and final match of the T20I series in Wellington, Pakistan's batting faltered as they managed a mere 128/9 in their 20 overs, setting New Zealand a target of 129.

The Green Shirts struggled from the start, with early wickets tumbling in quick succession. 
Captain Salman Agha stood out with a gritty 51 off 39 balls, but he was left stranded as Pakistan's batting lineup crumbled under pressure from New Zealand's disciplined bowlers.

Pakistan's troubles began early when opener Hasan Nawaz was dismissed for a duck, followed by quick dismissals of Mohammad Haris and Omair Yousuf.

The visitors were reeling at 25/3, and though Shadab Khan injected some fight with a quick 28, Pakistan's innings lacked any real partnerships or acceleration.

Agha tried to hold the innings together, but his efforts were in vain as wickets continued to fall.

New Zealand's bowling attack, led by James Neesham’s devastating 5/22, ensured that Pakistan’s batsmen never found their rhythm. Jacob Duffy (2/18), Ish Sodhi (1/32), and Ben Sears (1/25) all contributed to restricting the Pakistan total, making it a straightforward chase for the hosts.

Earlier, New Zealand won the toss and decided to bowl first against Pakistan.

The hosts made one change to the squad that secured an unassailable 3-1 series lead on Sunday, with Ben Sears coming in for Zak Foulkes.

Pakistan, looking to end the series on a high note, made four changes to their lineup, bringing in Omair bin Yousuf, Usman Khan, Jahandad Khan, Sufyan Moqim, and Mohammad Ali in place of Irfan Khan, Khushdil Shah, Abbas Afridi, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Abrar Ahmed.

Both teams are eager to finish the series strong, with New Zealand eyeing a clean sweep and Pakistan determined to salvage some pride.

Teams

Pakistan: Mohammad Haris (w), Hasan Nawaz, Omair Bin Yousuf, Salman Agha (c), Usman Khan, Shadab Khan, Abdul Samad, Jahandad Khan, Haris Rauf, Sufiyan Muqeem, Mohammad Ali.

New Zealand: Tim Seifert, Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Mitch Hay (wk), Michael Bracewell (c), Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy, Ben Sears, Will O'Rourke.