Mount Maunganui, Mar 23 (UNI) New Zealand registered a commanding 115-run victory over Pakistan in the fourth T20I at the Bay Oval here on Sunday, sealing the five-match series with an unassailable 3-1 lead.
After being put into bat, the hosts posted a formidable total of 220 for six, powered by Finn Allen’s blistering 20-ball half-century. Allen’s aggressive knock featured six fours and three sixes, setting the tone for New Zealand’s innings.
Tim Seifert (44 off 20 balls, 3x4s, 4x6s) and Michael Bracewell (46 not out off 26 balls, 5x4s, 2x6s) made crucial contributions to propel the Black Caps past the 200-run mark. Pakistan’s Haris Rauf emerged as the standout bowler for the visitors, returning figures of 3 for 27 in his four-over spell, while Abrar Ahmed chipped in with two wickets.
In reply, Pakistan faltered in their chase and were bundled out for 105 in 16.2 overs. Abdul Samad provided some resistance with a 30-ball 44, laced with four fours and two sixes, but found little support from the rest of the batting line-up.
Jacob Duffy led New Zealand’s bowling attack with a match-winning performance, claiming four wickets for 20 runs in his four-over spell.
The fifth and final T20I of the series is set to take place on March 26 at the Sky Stadium in Wellington.
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