ISLAMABAD: New Zealand’s pacers dominated the game, leading the hosts to a convincing 115-run victory over Pakistan in the fourth T20I on Sunday.
The Black Caps set a daunting 221-run target, but Pakistan’s batting lineup collapsed under pressure, getting bowled out for just 105 runs in the 17th over.
Pakistan got off to a disastrous start, losing four wickets for just 34 runs within the first five overs. The top order crumbled, with none of the top seven batters managing to reach double figures, except for Irfan Khan Niazi, who scored 24 off 16 balls.
Earlier, Pakistan’s bowlers applied early pressure, but New Zealand fought back with explosive batting.
Michael Bracewell and Daryl Mitchell stitched together a crucial 50-run partnership, stabilizing the innings before Mitchell was dismissed through a combined effort from Haris Rauf and Irfan Khan. Rauf finished with an impressive three-wicket haul.
Despite losing six wickets, New Zealand managed to post 220 runs, which proved far too much for the struggling Pakistani side.
After winning the toss, Pakistan chose to field first, a strategy that had worked in previous matches. However, this time, the hosts flipped the script, securing a dominant victory and leaving Pakistan trailing in the series.
