New Zealand routs Pakistan by eight wickets to clinch T20I series 4-1

A brilliant innings from Tim Seifert guided New Zealand to an easy eight-wicket victory over Pakistan in the fifth and final T20 International (T20I) on Wednesday, allowing them to clinch the series 4-1.

Seifert, who finished unbeaten on 97 from 38 balls, was instrumental in achieving the target of 129.

He began with a fiery start, smashing 18 runs off the first over by Jahandad Khan. His opening partner, Finn Allen, added to the momentum with 14 runs off Mohammad Ali's second over.

Seifert's aggressive approach continued as he hammered 25 runs off Jahandad’s sixth over, including three sixes. His explosive knock consisted of six fours and 10 sixes.

Allen contributed with a quick-fire 27 off 12 balls, which included five fours and a six, before being dismissed in the seventh over when New Zealand had already reached 93 runs.

Mark Chapman, who came in next, lasted briefly and was dismissed for three. Seifert, along with Daryl Mitchell, ensured New Zealand crossed the line with a final score of 131-2.

Pakistan’s bowlers, however, did have some bright moments, especially Sufiyan Muqeem, who removed Allen and Chapman. Muqeem’s variation in pace and flight proved effective as he took two wickets in his two overs while conceding just six runs.

Pakistan, batting first, faced a difficult time before reaching 128-9, with captain Salman Agha and Shadab Khan leading the resistance.

The two came together with Pakistan struggling at 52-5 and managed to put on a partnership of 54 runs for the sixth wicket.

Shadab made 28 from 20 balls, while Salman top-scored with a well-played 51 off 39 deliveries. Both fell to Jimmy Neesham, who was the standout bowler for New Zealand, taking 5-22 in his four overs, marking his first-ever five-wicket haul in T20Is.

Jacob Duffy was also key to Pakistan’s downfall, taking 2-18 and striking early. He dismissed Hasan Nawaz for a duck in the second over and followed it up with the removal of Omair Yousuf in the next for seven runs.

Pakistan’s top-order struggled to cope with Duffy’s swing and seam movement, as well as the bounce generated by Will O'Rourke and Ben Sears. Meanwhile, Mohammad Haris was the only other batter apart from Salman and Shadab to reach double figures. He was dismissed by Sears for 11 from 17 balls.

The teams now move on to a three-match ODI series, which begins in Napier on Saturday.