NEW DELHI: In the final T20I match between New Zealand and Pakistan, Tim Seifert’s destructive batting display ensured a comprehensive eight-wicket victory for the hosts, securing the series with a 4-1 scoreline.
Chasing a modest target of 129 runs, Seifert’s blistering unbeaten knock of 97 off just 38 deliveries set the tone for New Zealand’s chase.
Seifert’s aggressive intent was evident from the outset, as he plundered 18 runs off the first over bowled by Jahandad Khan.
His opening partner, Finn Allen, complemented the onslaught with a brisk 14 runs in the second over. When Jahandad returned for his second over, Seifert unleashed further mayhem, smashing 25 runs, including three sixes.
Seifert’s innings was a display of power-hitting, featuring six fours and an astonishing 10 sixes. Allen contributed a quickfire 27 off 12 deliveries, including five fours and a six, before becoming the first wicket to fall in the seventh over, with New Zealand already at 93.
Mark Chapman’s stay at the crease was brief, but Seifert and Daryl Mitchell (2 not out) guided New Zealand home comfortably, finishing at 131-2.
Earlier, after being put in to bat, Pakistan struggled to build momentum, managing a modest total of 128-9. Their innings was propped up by a mid-order partnership between captain Salman Agha and Shadab Khan, who added 54 runs for the sixth wicket.
Shadab Khan contributed a brisk 28 off 20 deliveries, including five boundaries, while Salman Agha top-scored with 51 off 39 balls. However, their efforts were overshadowed by Jimmy Neesham’s outstanding bowling performance, as he claimed his maiden five-wicket haul in T20Is, finishing with impressive figures of 5-22 from his four overs.
Jacob Duffy also played a crucial role, initiating Pakistan’s batting collapse by dismissing Hasan Nawaz for a duck in the second over. He added Omair Yousuf’s wicket in his next over, as Pakistan struggled to cope with the swing, seam movement, and bounce generated by the New Zealand pace attack.
New Zealand made one change to their lineup, bringing in Ben Sears for Zak Foulkes, while Pakistan made five changes, introducing Omair, Usman Khan, Jahandad, Sufyan Moqim, and Mohammad Ali.
With the T20I series concluded, the two teams will now shift their focus to the upcoming one-day international series, set to commence in Napier on Saturday.
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