New Zealand maintains dominance over Pakistan by securing an eight-wicket victory with a 129-run target in the concluding Twenty20 match, clinching the series 4-1 in Wellington.
Right from the start, Seifert showcased his aggressive batting, hitting 18 runs off the first over bowled by Jahandad Khan. His aggressive play continued, highlighted by a 25-run salvo off Jahandad in the sixth over, where Seifert struck three sixes.
Opening partner Finn Allen also displayed his attacking prowess with a quick 27 off 12 deliveries, comprising five fours and a six, before he was the first to be dismissed in the seventh over with New Zealand’s score at 93.
Mark Chapman had a brief stint, dismissed for just three runs, while Seifert, alongside an undismissed Daryl Mitchell (who scored two not out), guided the home team to a final total of 131-2, clinching the win.
Pakistan’s batting effort was led by a spirited comeback from captain Salman Agha and Shadab Khan in the middle order, which enabled the team to reach a total of 128-9. Despite half-century performances from both, Pakistan’s innings was marred by a fall of wickets at regular intervals, with Jimmy Neesham stands out among the New Zealand bowlers, taking a remarkable 5-22 in his four overs.
New Zealand’s off-spin bowler, Jacob Duffy, was instrumental in dismantling Pakistan’s batting with two key wickets in the second over, setting the tone for the remainder of the Pakistan innings, which struggled under the pressure of the energetic New Zealand attack.
Both teams made changes for the match, with Sears replacing Foulkes for New Zealand, while Pakistan introduced Omair, Usman Khan, Jahandad, Sufyan Moqim, and Mohammad Ali to their lineup.
The teams are now set to face each other in a one-day international series beginning in Napier on Saturday.
