The Pakistan cricket team has returned to Christchurch from Dunedin, gearing up for the final two T20 Internationals (T20Is) against New Zealand. The fourth match of the five-game series is scheduled to take place at Hagley Oval on Friday, with the last encounter set for Sunday at the same venue.
As it stands, New Zealand has already secured an unassailable 3-0 lead in the series. The hosts claimed victories in the first two T20Is but faced a setback in the third, where Pakistan emerged victorious by 45 runs.
In the third T20I, the cricketing world witnessed a remarkable performance from New Zealand’s Finn Allen, who played aggressively and, along with Tim Seifert, forged a formidable 125-run partnership for the third wicket.
Allen’s explosive innings of 137 runs off 62 balls, featuring an astounding 16 sixes and five boundaries, not only set a personal milestone but also established a new record for the highest individual score by a New Zealand player in a T20I against Pakistan.
Chasing a challenging target of 225, Pakistan encountered early setbacks, but skipper Babar Azam showcased stellar form by scoring his third consecutive half-century in the series, making 58 runs off 37 balls.
However, despite noteworthy contributions from Mohammad Nawaz and captain Shaheen Afridi, Pakistan ultimately fell short, managing 179-7 in their 20 overs.
Tim Southee played a pivotal role in New Zealand’s bowling attack, securing figures of 2-29. Other bowlers, including Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Mitchell Santner, and Ish Sodhi, also chipped in with one wicket each.
New Zealand’s dominant performance in the series has secured their victory, and cricket enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the remaining matches to witness if Pakistan can stage a comeback in the T20I series.
