Pakistan endured a humiliating collapse in the 4th T20I against New Zealand at Mount Maunganui, getting bowled out for just 105 in 16.2 overs while chasing a daunting target of 221.
The batting lineup failed to build any meaningful partnerships as wickets fell in quick succession. The early damage was done by Jacob Duffy, who dismissed Hasan Nawaz, Salman Agha, and Irfan Khan in quick succession, leaving Pakistan reeling at 9 for 3 inside two overs.
Shadab Khan and Khushdil Shah also fell cheaply, reducing the visitors to 42 for 5 inside the powerplay.
Abdul Samad provided some resistance with a valiant 44 off 28 balls, striking four boundaries and two sixes, but received little support from the lower order.
Zakary Foulkes added to Pakistan's misery, taking 3 for 25, including the wickets of Shadab, Khushdil, and Shaheen Shah Afridi. James Neesham and Ish Sodhi contributed with a wicket each to wrap up the innings.
This was Pakistan's worst defeat in T20I in terms of runs. Their previous worst was a 95-runs defeat back in 2016, also to New Zealand.
Pakistan’s struggles against New Zealand’s disciplined bowling attack were evident, as no other batter managed to cross 25 runs. With no partnerships exceeding 20, the visitors crumbled under pressure and suffered a crushing defeat.
The dominant performance helped New Zealand seal the series 3-1, further highlighting Pakistan's struggles in the tour.
New Zealand set a formidable total of 220/6 in their allotted 20 overs against Pakistan in the fourth T20I at Mount Maunganui. The visitors now face a challenging chase of 221 runs.
Opting to bat first, the hosts got off to a flying start, with Finn Allen smashing 50 off just 20 balls at a blistering strike rate of 250.00. Tim Seifert contributed 44 off 22, ensuring New Zealand reached 79/1 in the powerplay.
Middle-order contributions from Mark Chapman (24 off 16) and Daryl Mitchell (29 off 23) kept the momentum going, while Michael Bracewell led the late charge, remaining unbeaten on 46 off 26 balls.
The final five overs saw New Zealand accelerate, adding 63 runs at 12.60 RPO.
Pakistan’s bowlers struggled to contain the scoring, with Shaheen Afridi (0/49) and Shadab Khan (0/49) proving expensive. Haris Rauf was the standout performer, taking 3/27, while Abrar Ahmed picked up 2/41.
Abbas Afridi claimed one wicket but conceded 38 runs in his three overs. Despite multiple reviews and a few breakthroughs, Pakistan found it difficult to restrict New Zealand’s aggressive batting approach.
Pakistan have won the toss and decided to bowl first in the fourth T20I against New Zealand at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on Thursday.
New Zealand currently leads the five-match series 2-1.
New Zealand pacer Matt Henry has been officially ruled out of the fourth and fifth T20Is against Pakistan due to a shoulder injury, as confirmed by the New Zealand Cricket Board on Saturday.
Although Henry had initially been named in the squad, he will now focus on his rehabilitation to recover from the injury. The right-arm pacer sustained the issue while taking a catch during New Zealand's Champions Trophy semi-final victory over South Africa earlier this month, which had already ruled him out of the final against India.
Earlier, Pakistan defeated New Zealand by nine wickets in the third T20I at Eden Park, chasing down 205 in just 16 overs.
Hasan Nawaz played a standout role, scoring 105* off 45 balls, while skipper Agha Salman contributed an unbeaten 51* off 31 balls.
Mohammad Haris added 41 off 20 before falling to Jacob Duffy. Pakistan finished at 207/1, with a run rate of 12.93.
Playing XI:
Pakistan: Mohammad Haris (w), Hasan Nawaz, Salman Agha (c), Irfan Khan, Shadab Khan, Abdul Samad, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.
New Zealand: Tim Seifert, Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Mitch Hay (wk), Michael Bracewell (c), Zak Foulkes, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy, Will O' Rourke.
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