New Zealand’s ruthless pace attack dismantled Pakistan to secure a commanding 115-run victory in the fourth Twenty20 on Sunday, sealing the five-match series with a 3-1 lead.
Defending a formidable 220-6 in Mount Maunganui, the home side bowled Pakistan out for just 105 in the 17th over. Jacob Duffy led the charge with figures of 4-20, supported by Zak Foulkes who took 3-25. The defeat marked Pakistan’s biggest T20 loss by runs, surpassing their previous 95-run defeat to New Zealand in Wellington nine years ago.
Pakistan’s chase got off to a disastrous start, slumping to 9-3 after just two overs. Duffy claimed two wickets in his opening over, both caught behind by wicketkeeper Mitch Hay. Duffy’s first victim was Hasan Nawaz, dismissed for one, just two days after the Pakistan opener scored a crucial century in game three in Auckland to keep the series alive.
With Pakistan struggling at 56-8, all-rounder Abdul Samad provided a brief counterattack, scoring 44 off 30 balls. Irfan Khan was the only other batter to reach double figures, contributing 24. Despite Samad’s efforts, Pakistan’s innings crumbled, and they were bowled out well short of their target.
New Zealand’s win was their second-largest T20 victory by runs, just shy of their 119-run demolition of the West Indies in 2018 at the same Bay Oval venue.
Earlier, Finn Allen set the tone for New Zealand’s innings, blasting 50 off just 20 balls. He put on a 59-run opening stand with Tim Seifert, who contributed 44 from 22 deliveries. Seifert was the first of three batsmen dismissed by seamer Haris Rauf, who finished with 3-27.
Allen’s explosive knock included six fours and three sixes, while captain Michael Bracewell provided crucial support at the death, scoring an unbeaten 46 off 26 balls.
The fifth and final match of the series will take place in Wellington on Wednesday.
