(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] In another one-sided contest, New Zealand bested Pakistan on Friday, maintaining their winning run in the ongoing five-match T20I series.
In the fourth T20I scheduled at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch, New Zealand opted to bowl as Pakistan batted first for the first time in the series.
Pakistani batters except for Mohammad Rizwan submitted to the Kiwi pace duo of Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson, who took two wickets apiece.
Saim Ayub flattered to deceive, while Babar Azam too could not do much. After Babar’s dismissal, Fakhar Zaman was expected to take on the role of an aggressor but his indifferent batting display saw him getting out for a 15-ball nine.
Finishers Sahibzada Farhan and Iftikhar Ahmed as well disappointed.
Rizwan batted through the innings holding onto one end and scoring 90 runs off 63 deliveries to add weight to the total. Mohammad Nawaz impressed with his late hitting as Pakistan ended up with a score of 158 in 20 overs.
Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi took three early wickets in the form of Finn Allen, Tim Seifert and Will Young. However, that was all Pakistan could manage as Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips combined to take New Zealand beyond the finishing line.
Both these batters recorded unbeaten fifties, leading the Black Caps to a seven-wicket victory in 18.1 overs.
The fifth and final match of the series will be played on January 21 in Christchurch.