Pakistan Suffer Record 115-Run Defeat as New Zealand Seal T20I Series
Chasing 221, Pakistan Collapse to 105 in 16.2 Overs in Fourth T20I at Bay Oval
Pakistan suffered their heaviest defeat in T20I history, losing to New Zealand by 115 runs in the fourth T20I at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui on Sunday.
Chasing a formidable target of 221, Pakistan’s batting lineup crumbled, getting bowled out for just 105 in 16.2 overs,
This loss marked Pakistan’s biggest defeat in terms of runs in T20Is, surpassing their previous record of a 95-run loss against New Zealand in 2016.
Key Highlights:
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New Zealand’s Dominance: New Zealand posted a strong total of 220/6, with Finn Allen scoring a rapid 50 off 20 balls and Michael Bracewell contributing an unbeaten 46 off 26.
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Pakistan’s Collapse: Pakistan’s top order collapsed early, with openers Mohammad Haris (2), Hasan Nawaz (1), and skipper Salman Ali Agha (1) falling quickly. The team was reduced to 9/3 in just two overs.
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Bowling Performance: Jacob Duffy was the standout bowler for New Zealand, claiming 4/20, while Zak Foulkes took 3/25. Haris Rauf was Pakistan’s most successful bowler with 3/27.
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Resistance: Abdul Samad’s 44 off 30 balls provided some resistance, but it was insufficient to prevent a heavy defeat.
With this win, New Zealand clinched the five-match series 3-1, with one game remaining. The final match of the series is scheduled to be played in Wellington on Wednesday.
Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha acknowledged that New Zealand’s bowlers capitalised on favourable conditions under lights, leading to a crushing defeat.
“They [New Zealand] bowled really well and they outplayed us,” the skipper said while addressing a post-match press conference.
“I mean, the ball talked. It was swinging and it was turning as well. But we are international cricketers, so we have to adapt that and we have to be better,” he added.
With the series already lost, Agha emphasised the need for his team to regroup and put in a strong performance in the final match. “We need to regroup and we need to win the last game.”
