New Zealand has proven to be a formidable force against Pakistan in the fourth Twenty20 International, defeating the visitors by a staggering 115 runs at Bay Oval on March 23, 2025, and clinching the five-match series with a commanding lead of 3-1.
From the outset, New Zealand showcased their batting prowess. After being put in to bat first, the home side amassed a formidable total of 220 runs for the loss of six wickets. Finn Allen led the assault with an explosive half-century, scoring 50 runs off just 20 balls, marking his innings with six fours and three sixes at a remarkable strike rate of 250.00.
Complementing Allen’s fireworks was Tim Seifert, who contributed 44 runs from 22 deliveries. Seifert's innings included four towering sixes and three boundaries, and the two openers collectively laid a robust foundation by adding 59 runs for the first wicket in just 4.1 overs.
Michael Bracewell, who stepped in as captain for the match, played a critical role in bolstering the innings, finishing unbeaten on 46 runs off 26 balls. His performance, laced with five boundaries and two maximums, ensured that New Zealand maintained their momentum, despite regular loss of wickets. Daryl Mitchell (29) and Mark Chapman (24) added useful runs, underpinning a well-rounded team effort.
Pakistan's bowling attack was led by Haris Rauf, who managed a commendable performance with three wickets for 27 runs in his four-over spell. However, the lack of substantial contributions from others meant that he was unable to turn the tide for the Men in Green.
Chasing a mammoth target of 221 runs, Pakistan’s response was disastrous. The batting lineup crumbled under pressure, collapsing to 9 for 3 within just two overs of their innings. Jacob Duffy was the chief architect of this downfall, claiming the wickets of Mohammad Haris (2) and Hasan Nawaz (1) in the powerplay. The situation worsened for Pakistan as they found themselves reeling at 56 for 8, struggling to even reach three figures.
Abdul Samad provided a faint glimmer of hope for Pakistan, scoring a resilient 44 off 30 balls, while Irfan Khan Niazi was the only other batsman to reach double figures with a score of 24. Their efforts, however, were not enough to repair the ruptured innings as Jacob Duffy (4 wickets for 20 runs) and Zak Foulkes (3 for 25) dismantled Pakistan’s batting order.
The match concluded with Pakistan being bowled out for just 105 runs in a mere 16.2 overs, marking their biggest defeat by runs in T20 history against any team. This outcome eclipsed their previous record of 95 runs, set against New Zealand back in 2016.
After the match, Pakistan captain Agha Salman acknowledged the outstanding bowling performance from New Zealand, saying, "They bowled really well and outplayed us. It was swinging and turning, and we need to adapt and perform better. We need to regroup for the last match.” His sentiments echoed the general atmosphere of frustration within the team.
The fifth and final T20I of the series is set to take place in Wellington on March 26, 2025. The Pakistani side will be looking to avoid further embarrassment and redeem themselves against what has come to be a dominant New Zealand team.
This series has highlighted New Zealand's strength, particularly their pace attack under favorable conditions—a fact not lost on the players or spectators alike. With the next match looming, both teams are eager to make their mark as the series draws to a close, even as New Zealand aims to solidify their newfound dominance in T20I cricket.
