Pakistan lose yet again after De Grandhomme’s blitz

All-rounder scores unbeaten 74 to help hosts register five–wicket win on Tuesday

All-rounder Colin de Grandhomme made a grand comeback to the New Zealand side as he scored his maiden half-century in the 50-over format to help his team overcome resurgent Pakistan in the fourth ODI by five wickets in Hamilton on Tuesday.

Chasing 263 to go 4-0 up in the five-match series, the Men in Green were is commanding position after the Black Caps lost half of their team at the score of 154 in the 35th over.

But the 31-year-old De Grandhomme, who missed first three matches of the series due to personal reasons, shocked the visitors with his counterattack and sealed a comfortable victory for the home side by scoring an unbeaten 74 off just 40 balls with the help of seven fours and five sixes.

He was well supported by left-handed batsman Henry Nichols, who scored 52 off 70 including three boundaries.

For Pakistan, leg-spinner Shadab Khan was the pick of the bowlers as he claimed three wickets.

Earlier, visitors captain Sarfraz Ahmed won the toss and decided to bat first.

Once again, Pakistan's top order failed to produce anything substantial as the team from the subcontinent reduced to 11 for two in the fifth over.

But a 86-run third-wicket partnership between opener Fakhar Zaman and Harris Sohail revived the visitors.

However, once Zaman departed after scoring his second half-century of the series, the Men in Green once again lost their way before veteran all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez and skipper Sarfraz steadied the ship and helped the team to post more than respectable 262 for the loss of eight wickets in their allotted 50 overs.

Hafeez finished the innings with the top score of 81 off 80 including five sixes and four fours.

For New Zealand, pacer Tim Southee claimed three, whereas left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner claimed two wickets.