New Zealand wrapped up their T20I series against Pakistan in emphatic fashion, cruising to an eight-wicket win as Tim Seifert’s explosive unbeaten 97 off 38 balls made light work of Pakistan’s modest 128. James Neesham’s career-best 5 for 22 had earlier dismantled Pakistan’s batting lineup, ensuring New Zealand needed just 10 overs to chase down the target.
Neesham’s Five-Wicket Haul Stifles Pakistan
Winning the toss and opting to bowl first, New Zealand immediately seized control. Will O’Rourke and Jacob Duffy delivered disciplined spells in the powerplay, reducing Pakistan to 33 for 3. Among the early casualties was Hassan Nawaz, who registered his third duck of the series, capping off a disappointing run where he managed only one run across four games outside his century at Eden Park.
Neesham’s introduction further deepened Pakistan’s troubles. His first breakthrough left Pakistan struggling at 52 for 5 around the halfway mark. Despite the top-order collapse, captain Salman Agha and Shadab Khan provided brief resistance with a 54-run partnership off 35 balls.
Shadab’s innings ended in frustration when he edged one to the keeper after a controversial moment where he believed he deserved a free hit for a high full toss. His dismissal triggered another collapse, with Neesham clinically wrapping up the tail. Pakistan lost four wickets for 22 runs in the final four overs, with Agha’s 51 being the only notable contribution.
Seifert’s Blitz Powers New Zealand to Easy Win
New Zealand’s chase began in blistering fashion as they smashed 18 runs off the opening over from Jahandad Khan. Seifert and Finn Allen tore into Pakistan’s bowlers, scoring freely and putting the game beyond reach early. Five of the first six overs produced double-digit returns, and by the end of the powerplay, New Zealand had stormed to 92—their highest-ever score in the first six overs of a T20I.
Sufiyan Muqeem, introduced later than ideal, briefly slowed New Zealand’s momentum. He dismissed Allen with his second delivery and followed up by removing Mark Chapman, with wicketkeeper Mohammad Haris completing a sharp stumping. Muqeem’s two overs yielded just six runs and provided Pakistan’s only bright spot during an otherwise dismal defense.
However, Seifert remained unstoppable. Facing Shadab Khan’s final over, he smashed four sixes—three of them consecutively—to finish the game in style. The over conceded 26 runs and encapsulated Pakistan’s struggles throughout the series.
Contrasting Futures for Both Teams
New Zealand’s emphatic victory highlighted their strength in depth and dominance over Pakistan. Seifert’s blistering form and Neesham’s all-round brilliance will give the team confidence moving forward.
Meanwhile, Pakistan are left searching for answers after another heavy defeat. With persistent batting collapses and ineffective bowling, they face pressing questions about their form and strategy ahead of future competitions.
This comprehensive eight-wicket win not only secured the series for New Zealand but also underscored the growing gulf between the two sides.
