Sunday, January 21, 2024
New Zealand won the fifth T20I against Pakistan by 27 runs on Sunday, January 21, 2024. This victory gave them a dominant 4-1 series win. The match was played at Eden Park in Auckland. Over 25,000 fans watched the exciting game.
Match Overview
Pakistan’s captain, Shaheen Afridi, won the toss and chose to bowl first. New Zealand’s openers, Finn Allen and Devon Conway, started aggressively. Allen hit 62 runs off 34 balls, including 5 sixes. His explosive batting set the tone. Conway supported him with 28 runs before getting out.
Middle-order batters Glenn Phillips (29) and Daryl Mitchell (22) kept the momentum. New Zealand finished at 194/8 in 20 overs. Pakistan’s bowlers struggled. Shaheen Afridi took 2 wickets but gave away 42 runs. Young spinner Usama Mir claimed 3 wickets but was expensive, conceding 46 runs.
**Pakistan’s Chase Falls Short**
Pakistan’s reply began poorly. Opener Saim Ayub was dismissed for 8 runs in the second over. Captain Babar Azam fought hard, scoring 48 off 36 balls. However, he lacked support. Wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan fell for 15, while Fakhar Zaman managed only 11.
Tim Southee, New Zealand’s stand-in captain, took 3 wickets for 25 runs. His clever bowling slowed Pakistan’s progress. All-rounder Mitchell Santner also shined, taking 2 wickets and giving away just 22 runs. Pakistan ended at 167/9, falling short by 27 runs.
Key Performances
Finn Allen was named Player of the Match for his 62 runs. He hit 22 sixes in the series, a new record. Tim Southee praised Allen’s impact. “Finn’s fearless batting changed games,” he said. Allen also won Player of the Series for scoring 275 runs in five matches.
For Pakistan, Babar Azam was the top scorer with 213 series runs. Pacer Haris Rauf took 9 wickets, the most in the series. However, inconsistent performances from others hurt the team.
Series Context
Pakistan entered the series without key players like Naseem Shah and Shadab Khan due to injuries. They tested young talent, including Mir and Ayub, but inconsistency plagued them. New Zealand missed regular captain Kane Williamson in the final match but still dominated.
The series is part of both teams’ preparations for the T20 World Cup in June. New Zealand’s aggressive style and depth impressed experts. Pakistan’s middle-order weaknesses raised concerns.
Captain Reactions
Tim Southee thanked fans and highlighted teamwork. “Everyone contributed. Our bowlers adapted well under pressure,” he said. Babar Azam admitted Pakistan’s flaws. “We lost momentum in critical moments. Fielding errors cost us,” he stated.
Looking Ahead
Pakistan will face Australia in a three-match T20 series starting January 25. They aim to fix batting issues. New Zealand plays Australia next month, with Williamson expected to return. Both teams want to fine-tune strategies before the World Cup.
Final Thoughts
Sunday’s match showcased New Zealand’s strength and Pakistan’s struggles. Eden Park’s lively pitch and crowd added to the drama. While New Zealand appears World Cup-ready, Pakistan must address gaps quickly. Cricket fans now await the upcoming Australia series, expecting more high-stakes action.
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