LAHORE: New Zealand on Thursday night stunned Pakistan by 4 runs in the fourth Twenty20 International at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. With this win, Michael Bracewell’s side now leads the five-match series 2-0, with one match remaining.
Batting first, New Zealand posted a competitive total of 178/7 after being put into bat by the Pakistani skipper. Openers Tim Robinson and Tom Blundell set the tone with a fiery start, contributing 56 runs for the first wicket partnership. Robinson’s well-constructed innings of 51 off 36 deliveries, supported by Blundell’s quickfire 28 off 15 balls, laid a solid foundation for the Kiwis.
Despite losing wickets at crucial intervals, New Zealand managed to keep the scoreboard ticking, with contributions from Dean Foxcroft (34) and captain Michael Bracewell (27). However, the Pakistani bowlers, led by Abbas Afridi’s impressive spell of 3/20, kept the pressure on, restricting the visitors from reaching a more formidable total. Mohammad Amir, Usama Mir, and Iftikhar Ahmed also played crucial roles in picking up key wickets, ensuring New Zealand didn’t run away with the game.
In response, Pakistan’s chase got off to a shaky start as captain Babar Azam departed early for just 5 runs. Despite valiant efforts from Saim Ayub (20) and Usman Khan (16), the home side struggled to maintain momentum, losing wickets at regular intervals. Fakhar Zaman’s resilient knock of 61 off 45 balls kept Pakistan’s hopes alive, but his dismissal proved to be a turning point in the match.
With the required run rate mounting, Pakistan’s lower order, led by Imad Wasim’s unbeaten 22, fought hard but fell short by four runs in the end, finishing at 174/8. William O’Rourke and Ben Sears starred with the ball for New Zealand, picking up crucial wickets at crucial junctures to derail Pakistan’s chase.
Despite the defeat, Pakistan showcased commendable fielding prowess, with several crucial catches putting pressure on the New Zealand batters.
With the series now poised at 2-0 in favor of New Zealand, all eyes will be on the final match scheduled for April 27, as Pakistan aims to bounce back and level the series on home turf.
