New Zealand secured an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match T20I series against Pakistan, claiming a resounding 45-run victory in the third clash.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, New Zealand asserted their dominance by posting a total of 224-7 on the scoreboard. The highlight of the innings was Finn Allen’s sensational century, propelling the home side into a commanding position.
Despite the early departure of opening batter Devon Conway, the explosive partnership between Allen and Tim Seifert, accumulating 125 runs, provided a sturdy foundation for New Zealand.
Pakistan found a breakthrough when Mohammad Wasim Jnr dismissed Seifert for a brisk 31 runs. However, Finn Allen continued his aggressive display, crafting an outstanding innings of 137 runs off just 62 balls.
Allen’s remarkable performance, featuring five boundaries and a record-breaking 16 sixes, not only ignited the University Oval but also earned him the coveted title of player of the match for the second consecutive time. Glenn Phillips contributed to New Zealand’s formidable total, helping them surpass the 200-run mark for the second time in the series.
Facing a challenging target of 225 runs, Pakistan encountered difficulties from the outset. Opening batter Saim Ayub’s early departure within the powerplay, courtesy of Tim Southee, set a tough tone for the visitors.
Despite a promising 39-run partnership between Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, Mitchell Santner’s crucial wicket of Rizwan disrupted Pakistan’s chase.
Babar Azam, the linchpin of the Pakistani batting lineup, maintained his fine form, completing his third consecutive half-century with an impressive 58 runs.
However, Ish Sodhi’s dismissal of Azam added further pressure to Pakistan’s pursuit of the formidable target. Fakhar Zaman started well but was eventually dismissed by Lockie Ferguson.
Nawaz, along with his captain Shaheen, displayed resilience with a 40-run seventh-wicket stand. However, at that juncture, the result seemed inevitable, and New Zealand’s victory appeared to be a foregone conclusion.
Tim Southee emerged as the standout bowler for New Zealand, claiming two crucial wickets while conceding 29 runs in his allotted four overs.
With this comprehensive victory, New Zealand not only sealed the T20I series but also underscored their dominance in the format. As attention shifts to the fourth game scheduled for January 19 at Hagley Oval in Christchurch, cricket enthusiasts eagerly await another thrilling encounter between these two competitive sides.
The match is set to commence at 1110 PKT, with the toss scheduled at 1040 PKT, promising yet another exciting chapter in this gripping series.
