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New Zealand Dominate Pakistan to Seal Series Win with Crushing 115-Run Victory
New Zealand’s fast bowlers delivered a ruthless performance in swinging conditions at Mount Maunganui, dismantling Pakistan’s batting lineup to secure a resounding 115-run victory. With this win, the Black Caps clinched the T20I series 3-1 with one match remaining.
After successfully chasing 205 in Auckland to keep the series alive, Pakistan crumbled in their pursuit of 221, getting bowled out for just 105 in 16.2 overs. The home side’s pace attack, led by Jacob Duffy (4/20) and Zakary Foulkes (3/25), accounted for nine of the ten wickets, ensuring a crushing defeat for the visitors.
Finn Allen Fires as New Zealand Posts Another 200+ Total
Batting first, New Zealand set the tone early, with Finn Allen smashing a 20-ball fifty—a brutal assault that kept Pakistan on the back foot. Contributions from Tim Seifert (44 off 22) and Michael Bracewell (46 off 26) helped the hosts post a commanding 220/6.
New Zealand raced to 79/1 in the powerplay, their second-highest powerplay score against Pakistan in men’s T20Is. Despite a slowdown in the middle overs, a late flourish from Bracewell and Daryl Mitchell (29 off 23) ensured the Kiwis posted their second consecutive 200+ total in the series.
Duffy and Foulkes Decimate Pakistan’s Batting Lineup
Pakistan’s chase never gained momentum as New Zealand’s pacers exploited swing-friendly conditions. Will O’Rourke, playing his first match of the series, struck early, removing Mohammed Haris with a delivery that jagged back in.
Duffy continued the onslaught, dismissing Hasan Nawaz and Pakistan captain Salman Agha in quick succession. Foulkes made an instant impact, removing Shadab Khan with his first delivery. Pakistan collapsed to 56/8, with Abdul Samad (44 off 30) offering the only resistance.
Duffy, returning for his final over, picked up his fourth wicket, finishing with 4/20. He is now the leading wicket-taker of the series with 11 wickets in four matches.
Seifert’s Powerplay Blitz and Pakistan’s Bowling Struggles
Tim Seifert provided an electrifying start, smashing boundaries off Shaheen Afridi and Khushdil Shah. His attacking approach saw him score a 22-ball 44, propelling New Zealand to a rapid 50 runs in just 3.5 overs.
Pakistan briefly fought back after Allen’s dismissal at 134/2, restricting boundaries for five overs. However, Bracewell’s late blitz, featuring five fours and two sixes, ensured New Zealand finished strong, amassing 63 runs in the last five overs.
Among Pakistan’s bowlers, Haris Rauf (3/27) was the only one to maintain an economy rate below ten per over.
New Zealand Clinch the Series in Style
With this emphatic victory, New Zealand secured the series 3-1, showcasing their depth and dominance in home conditions. Pakistan will look to salvage pride in the final T20I, but New Zealand’s pace attack and power-packed batting lineup have already stamped their authority on the series.