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New Zealand produced a clinical performance to dismantle Pakistan by 115 runs in the fourth T20I at Mount Maunganui, taking an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match series. Batting first, the hosts posted a mammoth 220/6, powered by blistering knocks from Finn Allen (50 off 20) and Tim Seifert (44 off 22). Michael Bracewell added the finishing touches with an unbeaten 46 off 26 balls. In response, Pakistan’s batting lineup collapsed under relentless pressure from New Zealand’s bowlers, managing only 105 in 16.2 overs, with Jacob Duffy (4/20) and Zakary Foulkes (3/25) leading the charge. Abdul Samad’s valiant 44 off 30 was the only notable resistance in an otherwise dismal chase.
New Zealand’s batting brilliance sets the tone in 4th T20I
New Zealand’s innings got off to a flying start as Allen and Seifert launched an all-out assault in the powerplay. Allen, known for his explosive hitting, smashed 50 off just 20 balls, including six fours and three sixes, racing to his half-century in no time. Seifert complimented him with a 22-ball 44, taking the hosts to 59/1 by the fourth over.
Even after their dismissals, Mark Chapman (24 off 16) and Daryl Mitchell (29 off 23) ensured the momentum continued. However, Pakistan struck back in the middle overs, with Haris Rauf (3/27) and Abrar Ahmed (2/41) briefly slowing New Zealand’s charge. But it was Bracewell’s late fireworks (46 off 26, five fours, two sixes) that took the Kiwis to a formidable 220/6.
Pakistan’s bowlers struggled to contain the flow of runs, with Shaheen Afridi (0/49), Shadab Khan (0/49) and Abbas Afridi (1/38) proving expensive. Extra deliveries (13 wides and one no-ball) further compounded their woes, allowing New Zealand to put up a near-unreachable total.
Also READ: Lesser known facts about Hasan Nawaz: The fastest T20I centurion for Pakistan
Pakistan’s batting crumbles under pressure in Mount Maunganui
Chasing 221, Pakistan needed a strong start, but their innings unraveled almost immediately. Mohammad Haris (2), Hasan Nawaz (1), and captain Salman Agha (1) all fell within the first two overs, reducing Pakistan to a disastrous 9/3 in 1.6 overs. Duffy’s devastating opening spell (4/20) tore through the top order, leaving Pakistan reeling.
Irfan Khan offered brief resistance with a 16-ball 24, striking four boundaries and a six, but his departure in the sixth over triggered another collapse. By the seventh over, Pakistan had lost six wickets for just 42 runs. Foulkes (3/25) and Ish Sodhi (1/15) exploited the struggling middle order, ensuring there was no comeback.
The only shining light for Pakistan was Abdul Samad’s counter-attacking 44 off 30 balls, including four fours and two sixes. However, he lacked support from the lower order, and the innings eventually folded for 105 in 16.2 overs. New Zealand’s disciplined bowling and sharp fielding sealed a dominant victory, leaving Pakistan to regroup ahead of the final match.
Here’s how netizens reacted:
Factory default settings for Pakistan asb they're bowled out for 105, chasing 221
NZ have taken an unassailable 3-1 lead in the series #NZvPAK
— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) March 23, 2025
Eid comes twice a year
Memorable performances from the Pakistan cricket team come once a year#NZvPAK #Cricket
— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) March 23, 2025
Dear illiterate management at @TheRealPCB , fearless cricket means sensible cricket, not mindless slogging! I think basic education should be mandatory before joining the team! #PAKvNZ #NZvPAK
— Asad Khan (@kasadlive) March 23, 2025
You need skill & technique to sustain against seaming deliveries bowled between 140kph to 143kph. Intent is one part, method to madness is another. @iRashidLatif68 @krick3r
— Dr. Nauman Niaz (@DrNaumanNiaz) March 23, 2025
Haris Rauf has been absolutely magnificent in this high-scoring T20I series vs New Zealand. 8 wickets in three matches at an average of 9.50 and economy of 6.90.
— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) March 23, 2025
We lost 4-1 against NZ in Nz last time with world class players so at worst we will still lose 4-1 this time with young players and new aggressive approach. Please back them for one wt20 cycle that’s all i ask from you guys. (You can kick Shady out but back these kids atleast)
— Usama Zafar (@Usama7) March 23, 2025
Shaheen Afridi is like Ian Botham if we reverse the stats
— yang goi (@GongR1ght) March 23, 2025
Downright filth from Shaheen today. Someone needs to tell the selectors that he doesn't have to play every T20I for Pakistan.
— Behram Qazi 🇵🇰 🇨🇦 (@DeafMango) March 23, 2025
New Zealand thrash Pakistan by 115 runs in the 4th T20I
Scorecard: https://t.co/abR9akI1D6#cricket #NZvPAK #T20I pic.twitter.com/Cx1E5V7M36
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) March 23, 2025
A big win at Bay Oval secures the KFC T20I series with a game to spare! Jacob Duffy (4-20) and Zak Foulkes (3-25) leading the way with the ball. The final match of the series is in Wellington on Wednesday. Catch up on all scores | https://t.co/Sb7zXV3OJW 📲 #NZvPAK #CricketNation pic.twitter.com/Qx9x2iu7Ur
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) March 23, 2025
