New Zealand wins T20I Series 4-1 with 8-wicket victory over Pakistan

KATHMANDU: New Zealand defeated Pakistan by 8 wickets in the fifth T20I at Wellington’s Sky Stadium, securing a 4-1 series victory.

After restricting Pakistan to a modest total of 128/9, New Zealand chased down the target in just 10 overs, losing only two wickets.

The star of the chase was opener Tim Seifert, who remained unbeaten on 97 off 38 balls, featuring 10 sixes and 6 fours.

Seifert, alongside Finn Allen, put on a strong 93-run partnership for the first wicket. Allen contributed 27 from 12 balls, including 5 fours and 1 six.

Mark Chapman was dismissed for 3, while Daryl Mitchell remained not out on 2. Pakistan’s Safiyan Mukum was the standout bowler, taking 2 wickets.

Earlier, Pakistan, batting first after losing the toss, posted 128/9 in their allotted 20 overs. Captain Salman Agah top-scored with 51 runs from 39 balls, hitting 6 fours and 1 six.

Shadab Khan made 28, and Mohammad Haris scored 11, but Pakistan’s other batsmen failed to make significant contributions.

For New Zealand, Jimmy Neesham was the hero with the ball, claiming 5 wickets for just 22 runs in his 4-over spell. Jacob Duffy took 2 wickets, while Ish Sodhi and Ben Sears claimed 1 wicket each.

Having won the first, second, and fourth matches, New Zealand had already secured the series before today’s game. Pakistan won the third match. The two teams will now face off in a 3-match ODI series, starting this Saturday.