Glenn Phillips and Daryl Mitchell both notched up half-centuries, propelling New Zealand to a seven-wicket victory over Pakistan in the fourth T20I held in Christchurch on Friday. Despite a shaky start at 20-3, Phillips and Mitchell formed a stellar partnership, amassing 139 runs in just 93 balls to secure the win with 11 balls to spare.
In the series, Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan played a standout innings, posting an unbeaten 90 runs in 63 balls, setting a target of 159 runs for New Zealand. Rizwan’s performance included six fours and two sixes, while Mohammad Nawaz added a quick-fire 21 runs in nine balls, hitting three consecutive sixes off pacer Adam Milne in the penultimate over.
New Zealand’s Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry shone with the ball, claiming two wickets each. The Kiwis, captained by Mitch Santner in the absence of Kane Williamson, won the toss and opted to bowl first. The absence of opener Devon Conway sidelined due to a positive Covid-19 test, prompted Adam Milne’s inclusion in his 50th T20 international.
Pakistan made a lineup change, bringing in Sahibzada Farhan for Azam Khan. Chad Bowes joined the New Zealand squad as cover for Conway, who continues to be monitored ahead of the final match on Sunday.
In the third T20I, Finn Allen’s explosive knock of 137 off 62 balls secured New Zealand’s series-clinching 45-run victory against Pakistan in Dunedin. Allen’s 16 sixes powered New Zealand to an imposing total of 224-7, while Pakistan managed 179-7 in reply, despite Babar Azam’s third fifty of the series.
As the series finale approaches in Christchurch on Sunday, New Zealand aims to maintain its dominance under new T20 captain Shaheen Afridi. The Kiwis previously won the first T20I by 46 runs and secured the second by a margin of 21 runs.
