Pakistan suffered a humiliating defeat in the fourth T20I against New Zealand at Mount Maunganui, getting bowled out for just 105 in 16.2 overs while chasing 221. The batting lineup collapsed as wickets fell rapidly. Jacob Duffy dismissed Hasan Nawaz, Salman Agha, and Irfan Khan early, reducing Pakistan to 9 for 3 inside two overs. Shadab Khan and Khushdil Shah’s wickets also fell quickly, leaving the team struggling at 42 for 5 in the powerplay.
Abdul Samad provided some resistance, scoring 44 off 28 balls with four boundaries and two sixes. However, he lacked support from the lower order. Zakary Foulkes took 3 for 25, dismissing Shadab, Khushdil, and Shaheen Afridi. James Neesham and Ish Sodhi also claimed wickets, sealing Pakistan’s heaviest T20I defeat in terms of runs. Their previous worst was a 95-run loss to New Zealand in 2016.
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New Zealand secured the series 3-1, exposing Pakistan’s weaknesses. None of Pakistan’s batters crossed 25 runs, and no partnership exceeded 20. Earlier, New Zealand set a target of 220/6, with Finn Allen smashing 50 off 20 balls. Tim Seifert contributed 44 off 22, while Mark Chapman and Daryl Mitchell kept the momentum going. Michael Bracewell finished unbeaten on 46 off 26, ensuring a strong total.
Pakistan’s bowlers struggled. Shaheen Afridi and Shadab Khan conceded 49 runs each without taking wickets. Haris Rauf was the standout bowler, claiming 3 for 27, while Abrar Ahmed took 2 for 41. Abbas Afridi picked up one wicket but conceded 38 runs in three overs.
Earlier in the series, Pakistan won the third T20I by nine wickets, chasing 205 in just 16 overs, with Hasan Nawaz scoring an unbeaten 105 off 45 balls.
Playing XI:
Pakistan: Mohammad Haris (w), 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.
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