March 26, 2025 – New Zealand sealed a resounding series victory over Pakistan in the fifth and final T20I, winning by 8 wickets with 10 overs to spare.
This emphatic win secured the five-match T20I series for New Zealand with a commanding 4-1 scoreline.
Chasing a modest target, New Zealand’s batting lineup got off to a flying start, amassing 92 runs during the Powerplay. Tim Seifert was once again the star performer, playing a blistering knock of 97 runs. Finn Allen also provided a solid foundation, ensuring Pakistan’s bowlers had no opportunity to stage a comeback. Sufiyan Muqeem was the only Pakistani bowler to offer some resistance, picking up two crucial wickets while maintaining a disciplined economy rate. However, with the pitch favoring the batters, Pakistan’s total of 128 never posed a real threat, as New Zealand comfortably chased it down in no time.
Earlier in the match, Pakistan struggled to build momentum and managed only 128 runs in their allotted 20 overs. Captain Salman Agha stood out with a gritty half-century, while Shadab Khan contributed with the bat. However, the rest of the batting order faltered under the pressure exerted by New Zealand’s bowlers. James Neesham was the standout performer for the home side, dismantling Pakistan’s lineup with a brilliant five-wicket haul. Jacob Duffy chipped in with two wickets, while Ben Sears and Ish Sodhi took one each to ensure Pakistan remained on the back foot throughout the innings.
New Zealand captain Michael Bracewell was thrilled with his team’s performance, particularly praising the bowlers for their exceptional display throughout the T20I series. He highlighted the importance of squad rotation, which allowed multiple players to step up while still securing a dominant series win. He also commended his team’s resilience in bouncing back after their only defeat in the third T20I.
Pakistan skipper Salman Agha acknowledged that New Zealand outplayed them and credited the Kiwis for their impressive display. However, he pointed out the positives for Pakistan, mentioning promising performances from Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Haris, and Sufiyan Muqeem. Looking ahead, he expressed confidence in Pakistan’s ODI squad, believing that their experience and depth could yield a stronger performance in the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand.
Tim Seifert, named Player of the Series, shared his excitement about his aggressive approach paying off. He admitted that he had some luck early in his innings but was pleased to set the tone for his team. Looking ahead, he is eager to take a short break with family before resuming his cricketing commitments.
James Neesham, awarded Player of the Match, credited the top-order bowlers for creating the pressure that allowed him to capitalize with his five-wicket haul. He emphasized his goal of delivering consistent performances and lauded New Zealand’s batting unit, which remained in top form throughout the T20I series, making for a thrilling contest.