In a thrilling conclusion to the five-match T20I series, New Zealand dominated Pakistan to secure a convincing 4-1 victory. The final match, played at the Sky Stadium in Wellington, saw New Zealand win by eight wickets, with Tim Seifert and Finn Allen leading the charge.
Match Highlights
- Pakistan’s Struggle: Pakistan, batting first, managed a modest total of 128/9 in their 20 overs. Salman Agha was the standout performer for Pakistan, scoring a half-century, while Shadab Khan contributed 28 runs. However, the rest of the batting lineup struggled against New Zealand’s potent bowling attack.
- Neesham’s Bowling Masterclass: James Neesham was the star of the show for New Zealand, taking five wickets for just 22 runs in four overs. His performance set the tone for New Zealand’s victory, restricting Pakistan to a below-par total.
- Seifert’s Blistering Innings: Chasing a target of 129, New Zealand got off to a blistering start, thanks largely to Tim Seifert’s aggressive 97 off 38 balls. Seifert’s innings included several sixes, ensuring that New Zealand reached the target in just 10 overs.
- Allen’s Support: Finn Allen provided solid support to Seifert, scoring 27 runs off 12 balls. His partnership with Seifert ensured that New Zealand maintained a high run rate throughout their innings.
Series Summary
New Zealand’s victory marked a dominant performance throughout the series. The Kiwis won four out of the five matches, with Pakistan’s only win coming in one of the earlier games. This series win highlights New Zealand’s strength in the T20 format and their ability to perform under pressure.
The two teams will now move on to a three-match ODI series, starting on March 29, 2025. New Zealand will look to carry their momentum into the longer format, while Pakistan seeks redemption after a disappointing T20I series.
