New Zealand Dominates Pakistan in Fourth T20, Clinching Series
Mount Maunganui, New Zealand – March 23, 2025 – In a commanding display of skill and determination, the New Zealand cricket team secured a resounding victory against Pakistan in the fourth Twenty20 International (T20I) match held today at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui.
The Black Caps showcased an all-round performance, overpowering Pakistan by a massive 115 runs and thereby clinching the five-match series with an unassailable 3-1 lead.
The match witnessed a dominant performance from the home side, both with the bat and the ball, leaving the Pakistani side struggling to find their footing throughout the contest. This victory marks a significant achievement for New Zealand, solidifying their position as a formidable force in the T20 format.
New Zealand Innings: A Power-Packed Display
Having been put in to bat first after losing the toss, New Zealand got off to a blistering start, setting the tone for their innings early on. The opening batsmen came out with aggressive intent, putting the Pakistani bowlers under immediate pressure.
Finn Allen was the star of the show with the bat, playing a breathtaking innings that set the foundation for a massive total. He reached his half-century in a mere 20 balls, showcasing his explosive hitting capabilities and setting a rapid pace for the New Zealand innings. His inning was characterized by powerful strokes all around the ground, leaving the Pakistani fielders with little chance.
The momentum continued to build as other batsmen joined in, contributing valuable runs to the scoreboard. The New Zealand innings saw a collective effort, with several players chipping in with crucial contributions.
Michael Bracewell played a crucial innings, remaining unbeaten on 46 runs. His composed and steady approach in the middle overs provided stability to the innings and ensured that New Zealand maintained a healthy run rate. He anchored the innings beautifully, allowing the other batsmen to play freely around him.
By the end of their allotted 20 overs, New Zealand had posted a formidable total of 220 runs for the loss of 6 wickets. This imposing score put immense pressure on Pakistan, requiring them to chase down a daunting target at a demanding run rate.
Pakistan’s Struggle in the Chase
Chasing a mammoth total of 221 runs, Pakistan’s innings got off to a disastrous start. The New Zealand bowlers, fueled by the momentum from their batting performance, came out firing on all cylinders.
The Pakistani batsmen found it incredibly difficult to negotiate the disciplined bowling attack and the pressure of the high required run rate. Wickets fell at regular intervals, putting Pakistan on the back foot early in their innings.
The New Zealand bowlers maintained excellent line and length, not allowing the Pakistani batsmen to settle. They utilized the conditions effectively, extracting whatever assistance was available from the pitch.
Jacob Duffy was the pick of the bowlers for New Zealand, delivering a sensational spell. He ripped through the Pakistani batting order, picking up 4 crucial wickets for just 20 runs in his quota of 4 overs. His ability to consistently hit the right areas and generate pace troubled the Pakistani batsmen throughout his spell.
Zak Foulkes also played a significant role with the ball, providing excellent support to Duffy. He chipped in with 3 wickets for 25 runs, further dismantling the Pakistani batting lineup and putting a stranglehold on their chase.
The Pakistani innings never really gained any momentum, and they kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Only a couple of batsmen managed to reach double figures, highlighting the dominance of the New Zealand bowling attack.
Abdul Samad showed some resistance, scoring a valiant 44 runs off 30 balls, but his efforts were not enough to significantly reduce the mounting required run rate. Irfan Khan also contributed 24 runs, but the overall batting performance from Pakistan was below par on the day.
Eventually, Pakistan was bundled out for a mere 105 runs in 16.2 overs, handing New Zealand a comprehensive victory by a margin of 115 runs. This is Pakistan’s biggest defeat in T20 international history in terms of runs.
Key Performances and Match Highlights:
- New Zealand’s Score: 220/6 (20 overs)
- Pakistan’s Score: 105 (16.2 overs)
- Result: New Zealand won by 115 runs
- Player of the Match: Finn Allen (New Zealand) for his explosive half-century.
- New Zealand’s Leading Batsman: Finn Allen (scored 50 runs off 20 balls) and Michael Bracewell (46* runs).
- New Zealand’s Leading Bowlers: Jacob Duffy (4 wickets for 20 runs) and Zak Foulkes (3 wickets for 25 runs).
Series Outcome and Significance:
With this emphatic win, New Zealand has secured the five-match T20 series with a 3-1 lead, with one match still remaining. This series victory is a testament to the consistent performance and depth of the New Zealand squad, who have demonstrated their prowess in the shortest format of the game.
This win is particularly significant as it marks a convincing victory against a strong Pakistani side, known for their capabilities in T20 cricket. The comprehensive nature of the win will undoubtedly boost the confidence of the New Zealand team as they look ahead to future international assignments.
Pakistan’s Perspective:
For Pakistan, this match was a disappointing outing. Their batting performance lacked the required intensity and consistency to chase down such a challenging target. They will need to regroup and analyze their performance to identify areas of improvement before the final T20 match.
The Road Ahead:
The final T20 match of the series will be played at the Sky Stadium in Wellington on Wednesday, March 26, 2025. While the series has already been decided, both teams will be keen to end the series on a positive note. New Zealand will aim to continue their winning momentum, while Pakistan will be looking for a consolation victory to restore some pride.
Conclusion:
The fourth T20I between New Zealand and Pakistan was a one-sided affair, dominated by a superior New Zealand side. Their clinical performance with both bat and ball earned them a comprehensive victory and the series title. Finn Allen’s explosive batting and the combined bowling efforts of Duffy and Foulkes were the highlights of the match.
For Pakistan, it was a day to forget, as they will need to address their shortcomings and come back stronger in the final match. The series win for New Zealand is a well-deserved reward for their consistent performance and their ability to execute their plans effectively under pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): New Zealand Won 4rth T-20 Against Pakistan
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Who won the 4th T20 between New Zealand and Pakistan?
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New Zealand won the 4th T20I against Pakistan by 115 runs.
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What was New Zealand’s score in the 4th T20?
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New Zealand scored 220 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in their 20 overs.
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What was Pakistan’s score in the 4th T20?
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Pakistan scored 105 runs and were all out in 16.2 overs.
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Who was the Player of the Match in the 4th T20?
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Finn Allen of New Zealand was named the Player of the Match for his explosive innings.
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What is the score of the T20 series between New Zealand and Pakistan now?
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New Zealand leads the five-match T20 series 3-1.
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Where was the 4th T20 match played?
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The 4th T20 match was played at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand.
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Who is the captain of the New Zealand cricket team?
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Mitchell Santner is the current captain of the New Zealand white-ball team.
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What was the highest score in the New Zealand innings?
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The highest score in the New Zealand innings was 50 by Finn Allen (off 20 balls).
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Which bowlers took the most wickets for New Zealand? Jacob Duffy took 4 wickets and Zak Foulkes took 3 wickets for New Zealand.
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What was the margin of victory for New Zealand?
New Zealand won by a margin of 115 runs. This is the biggest defeat for Pakistan in T20I history in terms of runs.