New Zealand humiliate Pakistan with 115-run thrashing to clinch T2OI series
This victory marked New Zealand’s second-largest T20I win by runs, just behind their 119-run triumph over the West Indies in 2018 at the same venue.
New Zealand's pace attack dismantled Pakistan in Mount Maunganui, securing a commanding 115-run victory in the fourth T20I on 23 March to wrap up the series with a match to spare. Defending 220 for 6, the hosts bowled out Pakistan for a mere 105 in 16.2 overs, handing the visitors their heaviest T20 defeat by runs against any opponent.
Jacob Duffy led the charge with 4 for 20, while Zakary Foulkes, one of New Zealand's two changes for the match, impressed with 3 for 25. The collapse began early as Pakistan slumped to 9 for 3 within two overs, with Duffy striking twice in his opening spell. Hasan Nawaz, who had scored a century in the previous match, fell for just one. Abdul Samad's 44 off 30 balls was the only resistance, while Irfan Khan added 24 as Pakistan folded for their lowest total of the series.
This victory marked New Zealand's second-largest T20I win by runs, just behind their 119-run triumph over the West Indies in 2018 at the same venue.
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Earlier, Finn Allen's explosive 20-ball fifty propelled New Zealand to a strong start. He smashed six fours and three sixes, sharing a 59-run opening stand with Tim Seifert, who raced to 44 off 22 balls. Seifert took on the bowlers early, hitting Shaheen Afridi for a straight four in the first over before punishing Abrar Ahmed for 19 runs in a single over. His innings ended in the fifth over when he miscued a pull shot off Haris Rauf.
Allen continued his assault, taking 23 runs off Shadab Khan's 10th over before falling to Abbas Afridi on the next delivery. New Zealand, from 134 for 2, lost quick wickets as Pakistan tightened their grip in the middle overs, restricting them to 149 for 5 with five boundary-less overs.
New Zealand finished strongly, adding 63 runs in the final five overs. Michael Bracewell played a crucial role, remaining unbeaten on 46 off 26 balls, hitting five fours and two sixes, including a massive 97-metre six off Shaheen. Daryl Mitchell supported with 29 off 23.
Despite Pakistan's struggles, Rauf stood out with 3 for 27, the only bowler to maintain an economy rate below ten.
With the series sealed, New Zealand will look to extend their dominance in the final match in Wellington on 27 March.
