Ruthless New Zealand seal series with dominant win over Pakistan
New Zealand’s pace attack dismantled Pakistan in ruthless fashion, securing a 115-run victory in the fourth Twenty20 in Mount Maunganui on Sunday to claim the five-match series with a 3-1 lead.
Defending a formidable 220-6, the hosts bowled out Pakistan for just 105 in the 17th over, handing the visitors their heaviest T20 defeat by runs. Jacob Duffy starred with 4-20, while Zak Foulkes impressed with 3-25 as Pakistan struggled under the lights.
Duffy struck twice in his first over, removing Hasan Nawaz for one, just days after the opener’s century in Auckland. Pakistan slumped to 9-3 inside two overs and never recovered, slipping to 56-8 before all-rounder Abdul Samad provided brief resistance with a 30-ball 44. Irfan Khan added 24, the only other batsman to reach double figures.
“They bowled really well and they outplayed us,” Pakistan captain Salman Agha admitted. “The ball talked. It was swinging and turning as well. But we are international cricketers, so we have to adapt and be better.”
Earlier, Finn Allen set the tone with a 20-ball fifty, sharing a 59-run opening stand with Tim Seifert, who blasted 44 off 22 balls. Haris Rauf claimed 3-27 but could not prevent further damage, with captain Michael Bracewell finishing unbeaten on 46 from 26 deliveries.
Bracewell hailed the response after the defeat in Auckland. “Bouncing back only a day or so later was outstanding,” he said. “All the seamers bowled brilliantly tonight.”
The series concludes in Wellington on Wednesday.
(Source: AFP)
