January 21, 2024
New Zealand beat Pakistan by 21 runs in the fifth and final T20 match at Hagley Oval, Christchurch, on Sunday, securing a 4-1 series victory. The hosts, led by stand-in captain Tim Southee, dominated the game after posting 194/8. Pakistan, despite a fighting half-century from Iftikhar Ahmed, fell short at 173/5.
Match Highlights
New Zealand won the toss and chose to bat first. Opener Finn Allen continued his explosive form, smashing 62 runs off 37 balls, including five sixes. He shared a 68-run partnership with Tim Seifert (33 off 23) to set a strong foundation. Pakistan’s Shaheen Afridi struck twice in the 14th over, removing Seifert and Glenn Phillips (2) to slow New Zealand’s momentum. However, Mark Chapman’s quickfire 25 off 11 balls propelled the total near 200. Afridi finished with 3/34, while Mohammad Nawaz took 2/38.
Pakistan’s Chase Falters
Pakistan’s chase began poorly. Debutant Saim Ayub (4) fell to Southee in the second over. Captain Mohammad Rizwan (23 off 18) and Babar Azam (23 off 21) added 45 runs but struggled against tight bowling. Leg-spinner Ish Sodhi dismissed Azam, and Southee removed Rizwan, leaving Pakistan at 73/3 in the 11th over.
Iftikhar Ahmed (54* off 32) and Fakhar Zaman (30 off 21) fought back with a 65-run stand. Zaman hit two sixes before Adam Milne dismissed him in the 17th over. Needing 50 off 18 balls, Pakistan crumbled under pressure. Iftikhar’s late heroics weren’t enough. Southee (2/19) and Sodhi (1/28) were key bowlers for New Zealand.
Captain Reactions
Southee praised his team’s adaptability. “The guys stepped up under pressure. Finn [Allen] gave us a blazing start, and the bowlers executed plans perfectly,” he said. Rizwan acknowledged missed opportunities: “We lost early wickets and couldn’t finish well. Credit to New Zealand for outplaying us.”
Series Recap
New Zealand dominated the series from the start. They won the first three matches comfortably. Allen’s record-breaking 137 off 62 balls in the third T20, featuring 16 sixes, was a standout. Pakistan avoided a whitewash by winning the fourth match by 6 wickets, thanks to Azam’s 58 and Afridi’s 3/34.
Player of the Series
Finn Allen was named Player of the Series for scoring 275 runs at a strike rate of 200. His aggressive batting demoralized Pakistan’s bowlers. “I aimed to play positively and set the tone. It’s been a great series,” Allen said.
Looking Ahead
Both teams now prepare for a three-match Test series starting February 1 in Karachi. New Zealand’s Test squad, led by Kane Williamson, includes key players like Daryl Mitchell and Mitchell Santner. Pakistan welcomes back Naseem Shah and Imam-ul-Haq.
Sunday’s match concluded a competitive T20 series, highlighting New Zealand’s depth and Pakistan’s inconsistency. Fans await an intense Test showdown next month.
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