Cricket Highlights, March 26: Pakistan tour of New Zealand 2025 (5th Match) – NZ vs PAK

NZ vs PAK (5th Match) – Highlights

In this article, we will discuss the 5th T20I between NZ and PAK, played in Wellington on March 26, 2025. New Zealand dominated the contest, securing a convincing 8-wicket victory with 60 balls to spare. Pakistan struggled with the bat, managing only 128/9, while the hosts chased down the target effortlessly in just 10 overs, finishing at 131/2. Let’s take a closer look at the key moments and performances from this one-sided encounter.

Batting first, PAK endured an early collapse as they lost Hasan Nawaz for a duck in the second over, followed by Mohammad Haris and Omair Yousuf inside the powerplay. The New Zealand bowlers exploited the conditions well, with Jacob Duffy and James Neesham dismantling Pakistan’s top order. Salman Agha played a captain’s knock, scoring 51 off 39 balls, stabilizing the innings after the early setbacks. His innings included six boundaries and a six, but he lacked support from the other end.

Shadab Khan added some valuable runs lower down the order with a quickfire 28 off 20 balls, featuring five boundaries. However, Pakistan failed to build any significant partnerships, and their innings never gained momentum. Neesham was the standout bowler for New Zealand, picking up an impressive five-wicket haul for just 22 runs in his four-over spell. He was well supported by Duffy, who claimed two wickets while keeping the run rate in check. As a result, Pakistan could only manage 128/9 in their allotted 20 overs, a below-par total on a batting-friendly surface.

Chasing 129, NZ came out with an aggressive mindset, determined to finish the game quickly. Tim Seifert stole the show with a breathtaking knock, smashing an unbeaten 97 off just 38 deliveries. His innings was laced with six fours and ten towering sixes, completely dismantling the Pakistani bowling attack. Finn Allen provided a blistering start as well, scoring 27 off 12 balls before falling to Sufiyan Muqeem. Despite losing Mark Chapman cheaply, New Zealand’s chase was never in doubt, as Seifert’s onslaught ensured a rapid finish.

Pakistan’s bowlers struggled to contain the onslaught, with the likes of Jahandad Khan and Mohammad Ali conceding runs at an alarming rate. Sufiyan Muqeem was the only bright spot in their bowling lineup, picking up both wickets while maintaining a commendable economy rate of just 3.00. However, with Seifert in red-hot form, New Zealand made light work of the chase, reaching the target in just 10 overs to secure a resounding win.

New Zealand vs Pakistan Scoreboard

Pakistan – 128/9 (20)

New Zealand – 131/2 (20)

Result – New Zealand won by 8 wickets (with 60 balls remaining)

Player of the Match – James Neesham

NZ vs PAK Playing Eleven

New Zealand

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

Pakistan

Mohammad Haris (WK), Hasan Nawaz, Omair Yousuf, Salman Agha (C), Usman Khan, Abdul Samad, Shadab Khan, Jahandad Khan, Haris Rauf, Sufiyan Muqeem, Mohammad Ali.

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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Abit Leo

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