Seifert's fireworks, Neesham’s fifer guide New Zealand to clinch T20I series 4-1 against Pakistan

Tim Seifert's blistering half-century followed by Jimmy Neesham’s remarkable five-wicket haul, led New Zealand to a dominant eight-wicket victory over Pakistan in the final T20I of their five-match series at the Sky Stadium on Wednesday.

Set to chase a modest target of 129 runs, New Zealand made light work of the chase, knocking off the required runs in just 60 balls with eight wickets to spare. The chase was built around a powerful opening partnership between Seifert and Finn Allen, who added a quickfire 93 runs for the first wicket. Allen, who contributed 27 runs off 12 balls, including five fours and a six, was dismissed in the seventh over by Pakistan's Sufiyan Muqeem.

Muqeem also caused a stir in the New Zealand chase by sending Mark Chapman back to the pavilion in his next over, stumping him. However, Seifert continued to dominate, finishing unbeaten on 97 from 38 balls, which included six fours and 10 sixes. He was well supported by Daryl Mitchell, who remained not out on two as the pair added a quick 28 runs for the third wicket to seal the win.

For Pakistan, Muqeem was the lone bright spot with the ball, taking two wickets for just six runs in his two overs.

Earlier, Pakistan had been asked to bat first by New Zealand captain Michael Bracewell. The decision proved to be an effective one, as Pakistan struggled to put up a big total. Despite a valiant 51 from captain Salman Ali Agha, Pakistan was restricted to a modest 128/9 in their 20 overs.

Pakistan got off to a poor start, losing opener Hasan Nawaz for a duck in the second over, with just five runs on the board. Mohammad Haris (11) and Omair Bin Yousuf (7) were dismissed in quick succession, further putting the visitors on the back foot. With Pakistan at 52/5 in the 11th over, Agha and Shadab Khan put together a crucial 54-run stand for the sixth wicket to steady the ship.

However, Shadab was dismissed by Neesham for 28 off 20 balls, and Neesham followed that up with another wicket as he sent Jahandad Khan back for one. Agha, who had anchored Pakistan’s innings, fell to Neesham for 51, bringing Pakistan’s innings to a close at 128/9.

Neesham’s sensational bowling effort saw him finish with figures of 5/22 in his four overs, while Jacob Duffy (2/18), Ish Sodhi (1/32), and Ben Sears (1/25) all contributed with the ball to ensure Pakistan never got a chance to build momentum.

New Zealand’s comprehensive win gave them a 4-1 series victory, rounding off a dominant display in the final match. Neesham's all-round performance with the ball, combined with Seifert’s fireworks with the bat, helped New Zealand finish the series on a high note.