New Zealand thrashes Pakistan to take unassailable 3-1 lead in T20I series

New Zealand defeated Pakistan by a massive 115 runs in the fourth T20I at Bay Oval on Sunday, taking an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match series.

Chasing a challenging target of 221, Pakistan’s batting crumbled under pressure as they were bowled out for just 105 runs.

Pakistan’s chase got off to a disastrous start when Mohammad Haris was dismissed for just two runs in the first over, bowled out by Will O'Rourke. Things got worse for the visitors in the following over, as Jacob Duffy removed both Hasan Nawaz and captain Salman Ali Agha for a mere single run each, leaving Pakistan struggling at 9-3 after just two overs.

Pakistan’s troubles deepened when vice-captain Shadab Khan was dismissed for just one run, courtesy of Zakary Foulkes, reducing the score to 26-4 in 4.1 overs. 

Irfan Khan Niazi briefly fought back with a quickfire 24 off 16 balls, including five boundaries. However, his resistance was short-lived as Duffy claimed his third wicket, leaving Pakistan at 42-5.

Khushdil Shah followed soon after, dismissed for just six runs. Pakistan's collapse continued as Abbas Afridi’s dismissal shattered any hopes of leveling the series. Shaheen Shah Afridi, who made only six runs, was the next to depart, with Foulkes picking up his third wicket as Pakistan’s score stood at 56-8 in 10 overs.

Duffy was in exceptional form, claiming his fourth wicket by dismissing Haris Rauf for six, leaving Pakistan at 80-9 in 13.5 overs. 

Middle-order batter Abdul Samad fought valiantly, playing a crucial knock, but he was eventually dismissed before reaching his maiden fifty, bringing Pakistan’s innings to a disappointing close.

Earlier, New Zealand made an explosive start after being asked to bat, with their openers racing to 59 runs in just 4.1 overs. Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Shaheen Shah Afridi, struggled to contain the runs. However, Haris Rauf gave Pakistan a much-needed breakthrough by dismissing the dangerous Tim Seifert, who made 44 off 22 balls.

Despite the early setback, Finn Allen continued to attack, adding 49 runs with Mark Chapman. Rauf struck again, removing Chapman for 24 off 16 balls, leaving New Zealand at 108-2 in 8.1 overs.

Allen’s blistering innings reached fifty in just 19 balls, but his explosive knock ended at 50 off 20 balls when Abbas Afridi’s short delivery induced a top edge, caught by Hasan Nawaz. At 134-3 in 10.1 overs, New Zealand had lost a bit of momentum.

The hosts then faced a mini-collapse, losing Jimmy Neesham and Mitchell Hay cheaply to Abrar Ahmed, slipping to 149-5 in 13.2 overs. However, a counter-attacking 56-run partnership between Michael Bracewell and Daryl Mitchell helped New Zealand recover. Rauf struck again, dismissing Mitchell for 29 at 205-6 in 18.2 overs.

Bracewell’s unbeaten 46 off 26 balls guided New Zealand to a commanding total of 220. Rauf finished with three wickets, while Abrar Ahmed and Abbas Afridi shared the rest.