New Zealand delivered a commanding performance against Pakistan on Sunday, securing a dominant 115-run victory in the fourth T20I and sealing the five-match series with an unassailable 3-1 lead.
New Zealand proved far superior in all aspects of the game, excelling in batting, bowling, and fielding. Pakistan, on the other hand, failed to step up in this must-win encounter, crumbling under pressure against a well-rounded New Zealand side.
At the halfway stage, New Zealand needed early breakthroughs with the new ball, and their pace attack did just that. With strong winds aiding swing and bounce, the trio of Jacob Duffy, Zakary Foulkes, and Will O’Rourke dismantled an inexperienced Pakistani batting lineup. Pakistan’s batters struggled to counter the movement and collapsed one after another, unable to build any partnerships. It was never a question of if, but when, Pakistan would be bowled out. The emphatic win reaffirmed New Zealand’s dominance in the series.
For Pakistan, there were few positives to take away from this match. A brief resistance from Samad was one of the only highlights, but apart from that, it was a forgettable outing. Winning the toss proved inconsequential as New Zealand’s openers took full advantage of favorable conditions, giving their team a flying start. Pakistan managed a brief comeback in the middle overs, but Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell ensured New Zealand finished strong with the bat. The pitch became increasingly difficult in the second innings, and Pakistan struggled to cope with the conditions, succumbing to relentless pressure from the Kiwi bowlers.
Post-Match Reactions:
Finn Allen, named PLAYER OF THE MATCH, expressed his delight at contributing to New Zealand’s victory but credited his teammates for their efforts. He acknowledged the assistance the seamers received from the pitch, making it easier for them to dominate.
New Zealand captain Michael Bracewell was pleased with the team’s response after the previous defeat, praising the openers for setting the foundation. He also commended Shaheen Afridi for his spell but emphasized that New Zealand’s bowlers executed their plans perfectly.
Pakistan skipper Salman Agha admitted that New Zealand thoroughly outplayed them. He pointed out the difficult conditions in the second innings but acknowledged that as international players, they must adapt faster. He emphasized the need for Pakistan to regroup and put in a better performance in the final match.