New Zealand clinched a commanding 115-run victory over Pakistan in the fourth T20I at the Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, on March 23, securing the five-match series with a game to spare. Setting a formidable 221-run target, the hosts bowled Pakistan out of contention, who crumbled at a score of 105, handing New Zealand an unassailable 3-1 lead.
Asked to bat first, New Zealand piled on the runs with Finn Allen’s blistering 50 runs off 20 balls igniting the innings. Allen and his opening partner Tim Seifert, who scored a 22-ball 44, plundered 79 runs in the powerplay as the duo smashed the Pakistani bowlers with disdain.
Haris Rauf gave Pakistan their first breakthrough in the form of Seifert. While the Black Caps lost wickets in heaps after the 10-over mark, the onslaught never stopped.
Coming to bat at 149/5 in 13.2 overs, Michael Bracewell cut loose, forming a 56-run partnership with Daryl Mitchell. Bracewell remained unbeaten at 46 runs off 26 balls as New Zealand finished at 220/6 in their 20 overs.
For Pakistan, Haris Rauf was the pick of the bowlers. The speedster took three wickets and gave away just 27 runs in his four overs.
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Jacob Duffy, Zakary Foulkes Tear Apart Pakistan
Pakistan’s chase never took off as New Zealand’s bowlers pounced hard at them from the word go.
Jacob Duffy and Zakary Foulkes ripped through their entire batting order, leaving Pakistan with no option but to surrender. Hasan Nawaz, the hero of the last match, could not do much and fell cheaply for just one.
As their genuine batters went back to the hut even before the team could complete their fifty, their fate was sealed. Abdul Samad top-scored for Pakistan with 44 runs. Ultimately, the visitors were bowled out for a mere 105 and lost by 115 runs. This is now New Zealand's record victory in terms of runs in T20Is.
New Zealand’s ruthless performance sets up a chance for a 4-1 series win in the final T20I in Wellington scheduled on March 26, while Pakistan lick their wounds after a horrendous performance.
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