New Zealand dealt a crushing blow to Pakistan’s aspirations of levelling their T20 series, defeating them by 115 runs in the fourth game at Mount Maunganui. The Black Caps’ dominant performance in Pak vs New Zealand gave them an unbeatable 3-1 lead in the five-match series. However, there is one match remaining to be played.
New Zealand’s batting was on fire, spearheaded by Finn Allen’s 50 from 20 balls and Tim Seifert’s 44 off 22 balls. Their 59-run partnership in the opening stand put the innings on the right trajectory. Captain Michael Bracewell signed off in style, clubbing 46 not out off 26 balls to steer his side towards a strong 220-6.
Pakistan’s Batting Collapse
Pakistan’s pace attack could not hold back the hosts, though Haris Rauf did better with 3-27. The target the Kiwis left was impossible right from the beginning.
Pakistan’s collapse with the bat was nothing less than catastrophic in the Pak vs New Zealand match. The visitors were reduced to 9-3 within two overs, Jacob Duffy destroying by taking two wickets in the first over. Zak Foulkes then joined the wreckage by taking three wickets for 25 runs, reducing Pakistan to tatters at 56-8.
The lone two Pakistani batsmen who demonstrated any sort of resilience were Abdul Samad and Irfan Khan. Samad’s heroic unbeaten 44 prevented Pakistan from registering their lowest-ever T20 score. Irfan Khan scored 24, but the rest of the batting order collapsed, being unable to read the movement and turn coaxed by New Zealand bowlers.
Record-Breaking Defeat
Pakistan’s 105 all-out in the 17th over recorded their largest T20 loss by runs against any country, beating a 95-run defeat against New Zealand in Wellington nine years ago.
New Zealand’s triumph was thanks mostly to their accurate seam attack, which flourished under the floodlights. Even leg-spinner Ish Sodhi was able to turn the ball sharply, adding to Pakistan’s difficulty in the chase.
Read More: Pakistan Suffers Worst-Ever T20I Defeat
Talking after the match, Pakistan captain Ali Agha conceded the team had been comprehensively outplayed. “We have to give them credit, they bowled very well and they outplayed us. It was swinging and turning too. It did a lot in the second innings but we are an international team and we have to do better.”
With the last match approaching in Wellington, Pakistan is in for a tough fight to regain some dignity in a series that has already gone out of their hands.
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