Tim Seifert's blistering 97* off just 38 balls powered New Zealand to a crushing eight-wicket victory over Pakistan in the 5th T20I at Wellington. Chasing 129, the hosts stormed to their target in just 10 overs scoring 131/2.
Chasing a modest target of 129, Seifert put on a T20 masterclass, smashing six fours and ten sixes at a strike rate of 255.26. He was well supported by Finn Allen, who struck 27 off 12 balls, as the hosts raced to victory in just 10 overs with 60 balls to spare.
Sufiyan Muqeem provided Pakistan’s only breakthroughs, dismissing Allen and Mark Chapman, but New Zealand’s aggressive approach left no room for a comeback.
With the victory, New Zealand has clinched the T20I leg of the series 4-1.
Pakistan endured a tough batting display in the fifth and final T20I against New Zealand in Wellington, managing only 128/9 in their allotted 20 overs.
Skipper Salman Agha was the standout performer with a resilient 51 off 39 balls, but a disciplined New Zealand bowling attack kept the visitors under pressure throughout.
Opting to bat first, Pakistan lost opener Hasan Nawaz early for a three-ball duck, while Mohammad Haris (11) and Omair Yousuf (7) followed soon after, leaving the visitors struggling at 25/3. Usman Khan (7) and Abdul Samad (4) failed to provide stability, as wickets continued to tumble.
Shadab Khan injected some momentum with a 20-ball 28, including five boundaries, but Pakistan never found the acceleration they needed. Agha, who struck six fours and a six, held the innings together before falling in the 19th over.
James Neesham was the chief destroyer for New Zealand, claiming a brilliant 5/22 in his four overs. Jacob Duffy (2/18), Ish Sodhi (1/32), and Ben Sears (1/25) provided solid support to restrict Pakistan to a modest total.
With a required rate of just 6.45, New Zealand will back themselves to chase 129 and seal the series.
New Zealand has won the toss and elected to bowl first in the final T20I against Pakistan in Wellington.
Surprisingly, Shaheen Shah Afridi has been dropped from the playing XI after struggling in the series.
Playing XI:
Pakistan: Salman Ali Agha (c), Mohammad Haris (wk), Hasan Nawaz, Omair Bin Yousuf, Usman Khan, Shadab Khan, Abdul Samad, Jahandad Khan, Haris Rauf, Sufyan Moqim, Mohammad Ali
New Zealand: Tim Seifert, Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Mitch Hay (wk), Michael Bracewell (c), Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy, Ben Sears, Will O'Rourke
Match preview:
Pakistan will take on New Zealand in the fifth and final T20 International of the ongoing series at Sky Stadium in Wellington on Wednesday.
Led by Salman Ali Agha, Pakistan have already lost the series after dropping three of the first four matches. The visitors will aim to finish the tour on a positive note with a win in the final encounter.
New Zealand, despite the absence of several senior players, have displayed strong performances across all departments. The BlackCaps will look to extend their winning momentum ahead of the ODI series.
As both teams prepare for the contest, here’s a look at the pitch conditions at Sky Stadium.
Sky Stadium, Wellington – Ground Stats
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Matches Played: 16
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Matches won batting first: 7
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Matches won bowling first: 9
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Average 1st innings score: 165.75
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Average 2nd innings score: 140.25
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Average run rate: 8.22
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% of wickets by pacers: 61.90
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% of wickets by spinners: 38.09
Sky Stadium, Wellington – Pitch Report
The pitch at Sky Stadium is expected to offer early movement for fast bowlers, particularly with the new ball. The windy conditions in Wellington could assist seamers in generating swing, making the initial overs crucial for top-order batters.
As the game progresses, the pitch is likely to provide good pace and bounce, favouring stroke play. Batters who survive the early movement can capitalise later in the innings.
Spinners are unlikely to find much assistance from the surface. With chasing teams winning nine of the 16 T20Is played at this venue, the toss-winning captain may opt to field first.
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