The final showdown between New Zealand and Pakistan in the T20I series delivered an electrifying contest that kept cricket fans on the edge of their seats. With the series already secured by New Zealand, Pakistan aimed to salvage some pride by winning the last game. However, the home side once again showcased their dominance, sealing the match with an emphatic performance.
Match Summary
The fifth T20I, played under the lights, witnessed a gripping battle between bat and ball. New Zealand’s batting firepower and Pakistan’s fighting spirit made for an entertaining encounter.
New Zealand’s Batting Performance
New Zealand’s top-order batters set the stage with a commanding start. Finn Allen played a crucial role, smashing the ball to all parts of the ground. Supported by Devon Conway and Glenn Phillips, the team managed to build a solid foundation.
| Batsman | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finn Allen | 65 | 42 | 8 | 3 |
| Devon Conway | 48 | 35 | 5 | 2 |
| Glenn Phillips | 37 | 20 | 4 | 2 |
| Mark Chapman | 25 | 15 | 2 | 1 |
With strong contributions from the middle order, New Zealand posted an imposing total, setting Pakistan a challenging target.
Pakistan’s Bowling Performance
Pakistan’s bowlers had a tough time containing the aggressive Kiwi batters. Shaheen Afridi provided an early breakthrough, but the middle overs proved costly for Pakistan.
| Bowler | Overs | Runs Conceded | Wickets |
| Shaheen Afridi | 4 | 32 | 2 |
| Haris Rauf | 4 | 45 | 1 |
| Shadab Khan | 4 | 38 | 1 |
| Mohammad Wasim | 3 | 34 | 1 |
Despite some late wickets, New Zealand’s batting ensured they reached a formidable total.
Pakistan’s Chase: A Tough Battle
Pakistan’s chase started with aggression, but early wickets disrupted their momentum. Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan attempted to anchor the innings, but the required run rate kept climbing.
| Batsman | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s |
| Babar Azam | 52 | 40 | 6 | 1 |
| Mohammad Rizwan | 45 | 36 | 5 | 2 |
| Fakhar Zaman | 29 | 18 | 3 | 2 |
| Iftikhar Ahmed | 20 | 12 | 2 | 1 |
As the match progressed, Pakistan found it difficult to keep up with the required run rate. New Zealand’s bowlers kept things tight, making life difficult for the visiting side.
New Zealand’s Bowling Brilliance
New Zealand’s bowlers executed their plans to perfection, restricting Pakistan’s batters and picking up crucial wickets at key moments.
| Bowler | Overs | Runs Conceded | Wickets |
| Tim Southee | 4 | 28 | 2 |
| Lockie Ferguson | 4 | 35 | 2 |
| Ish Sodhi | 4 | 30 | 1 |
| Mitchell Santner | 4 | 25 | 1 |
Pakistan fought hard but fell short, handing New Zealand another victory to conclude the series on a high note.
Key Moments of the Match
- Finn Allen’s explosive start laid the perfect foundation for New Zealand.
- Shaheen Afridi’s early breakthroughs gave Pakistan hope.
- Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan’s partnership provided stability, but the required run rate proved challenging.
- Tim Southee and Lockie Ferguson’s bowling spells sealed Pakistan’s fate.
Series Recap
New Zealand’s dominant performance throughout the series showcased their strength in T20 cricket. Pakistan displayed glimpses of brilliance but struggled to maintain consistency. With both teams looking ahead to future tournaments, this series provided valuable insights and experience.
This thrilling encounter wrapped up an action-packed series, reinforcing New Zealand’s reputation as a powerhouse in T20 cricket while giving Pakistan lessons to build upon for future challenges.
