New Zealand capped off their dominant T20I series victory with a thumping 8-wicket win over Pakistan in the fifth and final match at Sky Stadium, Wellington on Wednesday, March 26.
Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, the hosts put in a stellar all-round performance, restricting Pakistan to a below-par 128/9 before chasing it down in just 10 overs, thanks to an explosive knock from Tim Seifert (97 not out off 38 balls).
Pakistan’s struggle with the bat
Pakistan’s batting lineup faltered once again, failing to put up a competitive total. Mohammad Haris (11 off 17) and Hasan Nawaz (0 off 3) fell cheaply, setting the tone for a sluggish start. Omair Yousuf (7 off 11) and Usman Khan (7 off 7) failed to provide stability, while the in-form Agha Salman (51 off 39, 6 fours, 1 six) was the only batter to put up a fight. He played a valiant knock under pressure, but lacked support from the other end.
Shadab Khan (28 off 20, 5 fours) added some valuable runs in the middle order, but wickets kept tumbling. Abdul Samad (4 off 9), Jahandad Khan (1 off 2), Haris Rauf (6 off 10), Sufiyan Muqeem (0 off 2), and Mohammad Ali (0 off 0) failed to make any significant contributions as Pakistan finished on 128/9 in 20 overs.
New Zealand’s bowlers put up an exceptional performance, led by James Neesham, who registered his best T20I figures, taking 5 wickets for 22 runs in 4 overs. Jacob Duffy (2/18) and Ish Sodhi (1/32) supported him well, while Ben Sears (1/25) also chipped in. William O’Rourke was the only bowler to go wicketless but bowled with discipline, conceding 29 runs in his 4 overs.
Tim Seifert’s fireworks seal the game for Black Caps
Chasing 129, New Zealand’s openers went all guns blazing. Seifert led the charge with an electrifying 97 off 38 balls, smacking 6 fours and 10 sixes. He took apart the Pakistani bowlers, leaving no room for a comeback. Finn Allen (27 off 12, 5 fours, 1 six) played the perfect supporting role before getting dismissed.
Mark Chapman (3 off 7) and Daryl Mitchell (2 off 4) finished the job, as New Zealand comfortably reached 131/2 in just 10 overs.
New Zealand won by 8 wickets with 10 overs to spare 🔥🏏#Cricket #NZvPAK #TimSeifert #newzealandcricket #PAKvNZ pic.twitter.com/3iwwoYRcqn
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) March 26, 2025
The Pakistani bowlers had no answer to Seifert’s onslaught. Jahandad Khan (0/43 in 2 overs), Mohammad Ali (0/27 in 2 overs), Haris Rauf (0/22 in 2 overs), and Shadab Khan (0/33 in 2 overs) were expensive and ineffective. Sufiyan Muqeem (2/6 in 2 overs) was the only bowler to pick up wickets, but his efforts went in vain.
Also READ: Best bowling figures for New Zealand in T20Is ft. James Neesham
Series recap
New Zealand won the 5-match T20I series 4-1, with Neesham being named Player of the Match, and Seifert earning the Player of the Series award.
- 1st T20I: NZ won by 9 wickets
- 2nd T20I: NZ won by 5 wickets
- 3rd T20I: PAK won by 9 wickets
- 4th T20I: NZ won by 115 runs
- 5th T20I: NZ won by 8 wickets
TIM SEIFERT SCORED 97*(38) BALLS AGAINST PAKISTAN.
– Seifert scored 97*(38) and Chase the Score in only 10 Overs. Pakistan loss the Series 4-1. This Series PAK gives Chances to Youngster. But Youngster flop in this series. Pakistan Cricket is almost Finished.. pic.twitter.com/dyAY2tO90Q
— Vikas Yadav (@VikasYadav66200) March 26, 2025
With the T20I series wrapped up, the focus now shifts to the ODI series, with the first match scheduled for March 28 at McLean Park.
Also READ: No place for Nida Dar as hosts Pakistan announces squad for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2025
