New Zealand Crushes Pakistan by 115 Runs to Wrap Up T20I Series
New Zealand Dominate Pakistan to Lock Series Win in Fourth T20I
If you’re keeping an eye on the international cricket scene, the fourth T20I between New Zealand and Pakistan at Mount Maunganui wasn’t just a contest—it was a masterclass in both batting power and disciplined bowling. Chasing a mammoth target, Pakistan never looked in it, folding meekly as New Zealand sealed the series with a victory margin that’ll sting for a while: 115 runs.
The home team set the tone right from the first over. Finn Allen came out swinging and made an immediate impact, hammering 50 off just 20 balls. Allen’s approach was fearless, peppering the boundary and putting Pakistan’s bowlers under the pump early. It wasn’t just brute force; he mixed his shots seamlessly, choosing the right balls to attack. By the time Allen left the crease, New Zealand were already eyeing a massive total.
The momentum didn’t fade once Allen was dismissed. Michael Bracewell grabbed the baton and ran with it, finishing unbeaten on 46 off 26 balls. He played an important role in pushing New Zealand to 220/6 from their allotted overs. The middle and lower order all chipped in, never allowing Pakistan to claw back any control. The pitch played true, but the difference was the intent with which New Zealand’s batters approached every delivery. If you blinked, you missed a six disappearing into the crowd or another perfectly timed four skimming across the turf.
Pakistan’s Batting Falters Under Pressure
Pakistan faced a big ask and needed a pacey start. What followed instead was a collapse that left their fans shaking their heads. Only Abdul Samad showed resistance, making 44, but he was left stranded as wickets fell rapidly at the other end. Nobody from the top order stuck around long enough to anchor the chase, and the run rate crept up from daunting to impossible in no time.
The real story, however, was New Zealand’s bowling unit. Jacob Duffy ripped through the lineup with figures of 4/20, making the most of movement under the lights. Zakary Foulkes chipped in with 3/25, adapting perfectly to the conditions. Pakistan’s batters simply couldn’t get settled, with deliveries zipping and swinging more than they could handle. The fielding didn’t let up either, with catches snapped up and run-saving dives keeping the pressure on.
Piling on a score like 220/6 in a T20 is a statement, but New Zealand turned that statement into a shout with their relentless bowling. Bowling Pakistan out for 105 in just over 16 overs speaks to the difference in confidence and momentum between the sides at this stage of the series. Even with one match left, New Zealand’s 3-1 lead gives them all the breathing space they could ask for, while Pakistan faces serious questions about their batting depth and response to pressure games.
The stage is now set for the final match of the series. While the series winner is already settled, there’s still pride—and some much-needed redemption—for Pakistan to chase down. For New Zealand, the chance to wrap things up in style is right there for the taking.