In the last match of Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand, the hosts wrapped up the series in style by securing a convincing 8-wicket victory with 60 balls left.
Pakistan managed only one victory in the series, winning the third T20I by 9 wickets against New Zealand. In the 5th T20I, Pakistan batted first, setting a target of 128 runs in 20 overs. New Zealand successfully chased it down, scoring 131 runs in 10 overs. Captain Salman Agha led his team by scoring a half –century, making 51 runs off 39 balls including 6 fours and a six, and was assisted by Shadab Khan who added 28 runs off 20 balls.
Pakistan’s middle order, which included Jahandad Khan, Haris Rauf, Sufiyan and Mohammad Ali, struggled to find boundaries against New Zealand’s strong bowling attack, with some batters getting dismissed for a duck. James Neesham picked up the most wickets, taking 5/22 in his four-over spell. He was awarded Player of the Match for bowling brilliantly.
Tim Seifert opened New Zealand’s batting and performed exceptionally well. He scored 97 runs from 38 deliveries hitting 6 fours and 10 sixes at strike rate of 255.26. He was only 3 runs away from a century. Tim was recognized as the Player of the Series for his good performance, which led New Zealand to victory.
Pakistan’s bowlers couldn’t pick wickets effectively, allowing New Zealand’s top-order batters to score easily. Finn Allen scored 27 runs off 12 balls, blasting 5 fours and a six. Mark Chapman was bowled out for 3/7 when Mohammad Haris stumped him off Sufiyan Muqeen’s bowling. Tim Seifert and Daryl Mitchell remained not out in the inning and built a 28 run partnership in the final over, finishing at 131 runs. As a result, the middle and the low-order batters were not required to bat.