Cricket Highlights, March 23: Pakistan tour of New Zealand 2025 (4th T20I) – NZ vs PAK

NZ vs PAK (4th Match) – Highlights

In this article, we will discuss the thrilling 4th T20I between NZ and PAK, held under the lights at Mount Maunganui on March 23, 2025. New Zealand delivered a dominant performance, posting an imposing total of 220/6 before dismantling Pakistan for just 105 in 16.2 overs. With this emphatic 115-run victory, the hosts showcased their batting firepower and bowling prowess, leaving Pakistan struggling to keep up. 

Opting to bat first, NZ innings got off to a flying start with openers Finn Allen and Tim Seifert taking the attack to the Pakistan bowlers. Allen was in destructive form, smashing a rapid 50 off just 20 balls, including six boundaries and three sixes. Seifert complemented him well, playing a blistering knock of 44 from 22 deliveries at a strike rate of 200. Their explosive partnership laid the perfect foundation for a big total.

Despite PAK striking back with Haris Rauf removing Seifert and Mark Chapman in quick succession, the hosts continued their aggressive batting. Chapman contributed a valuable 24 off 16 balls before Rauf struck again to dismiss Daryl Mitchell for 29. New Zealand wobbled momentarily when James Neesham and Mitchell Hay fell cheaply, but captain Michael Bracewell ensured a strong finish.

Bracewell played a captain’s knock, anchoring the innings with an unbeaten 46 off 26 balls. His innings featured five boundaries and two sixes, providing the late acceleration New Zealand needed. He found brief support from Zakary Foulkes, who remained unbeaten on three. The Kiwi batters made full use of Pakistan’s inconsistent bowling, punishing the pacers and spinners alike to reach an imposing total of 220/6 in their 20 overs.

For Pakistan, Haris Rauf was the standout bowler, taking 3/27 in his four overs, while Abrar Ahmed chipped in with two wickets. However, the rest of the attack struggled, with Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, and Abbas Afridi all conceding over 12 runs per over.

Chasing a daunting target of 221, Pakistan needed a strong start, but their innings fell apart within the first few overs. Mohammad Haris was dismissed for just two runs in the very first over by Will O’Rourke. Hasan Nawaz and captain Salman Agha followed soon after, leaving Pakistan reeling at 9/3 inside two overs.

Irfan Khan provided a brief resistance with a quickfire 24 off 16 balls, but Jacob Duffy struck crucial blows, dismissing him along with Shadab Khan and Salman Agha. By the sixth over, Pakistan was struggling at 42/5, staring at a heavy defeat.

The only significant contribution came from Abdul Samad, who fought valiantly with a 44-run knock off 30 deliveries. Zakary Foulkes removed Khushdil Shah and Shaheen Afridi in quick succession, while Duffy continued his dominance by dismissing Haris Rauf.

Pakistan’s innings ended in the 17th over when Ish Sodhi trapped Abdul Samad, wrapping up their dismal batting effort at 105. New Zealand’s bowlers were clinical, with Duffy leading the way with figures of 4/20, while Foulkes picked up three wickets.

New Zealand vs Pakistan Scoreboard

New Zealand – 220/6

Pakistan –105 (16.2/20)

Result – New Zealand won by 115 runs

Player of the Match – Finn Allen

NZ vs PAK Playing XIs

New Zealand

Finn Allen, Tim Seifert, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Mitchell Hay (WK), Michael Bracewell (C), Zakary Foulkes, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy, Will O’Rourke

Pakistan

Mohammad Haris (WK), Hasan Nawaz, Salman Agha (C), Irfan Khan, Shadab Khan, Khushdil Shah, Abdul Samad, Abbas Afridi, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed

Disclaimer: These match highlights reflect the author’s insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the points discussed and form their own conclusions.

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