Tim Seifert delivered a stunning unbeaten knock of 97 off just 38 balls, setting the stage for New Zealand’s commanding eight-wicket victory over Pakistan in Wellington. Right from the first over, Seifert made his intent clear, smashing 18 runs off Jahandad Khan, while fellow opener Finn Allen followed with 14 runs off Mohammad Ali’s over.
When Jahandad returned in the sixth over, Seifert was even more aggressive, hammering 25 runs, including three sixes. His fiery innings featured six fours and ten sixes, steering New Zealand to a comfortable win.
Read more: Shahid Afridi Urges Rest for Shadab Khan and Shaheen Afridi in Final T20I Against New Zealand
Allen contributed 27 off 12 balls, hitting five boundaries and a six before being dismissed in the seventh over with New Zealand at 93-1. Mark Chapman had a brief stay, departing for just three runs, but Seifert and Daryl Mitchell (2*) ensured there were no further hiccups as the hosts wrapped up the chase at 131-2.
Batting first, Pakistan struggled against New Zealand’s pace attack, eventually reaching 128-9. Captain Agha Salman and Shadab Khan provided some resistance, stitching together a crucial 54-run partnership after Pakistan was reeling at 52-5. Shadab scored 28 off 20 balls, hitting five fours, while Salman played a resilient knock of 51 off 39 balls. However, both fell to Jimmy Neesham, who recorded career-best T20I figures of 5-22, claiming his maiden five-wicket haul in the format.
Jacob Duffy also played a key role with 2-18, dismissing Hasan Nawaz for a duck in the second over—his third duck of the series—and later removing Omair Yousuf. Pakistan’s batters struggled against Duffy’s movement and the bounce generated by Will O’Rourke and Ben Sears.
New Zealand, having won the toss, made one change, bringing in Sears for Zak Foulkes. Meanwhile, Pakistan introduced five new players—Omair Yousuf, Usman Khan, Jahandad Khan, Sufiyan Muqeem, and Mohammad Ali.
With the T20I series wrapped up 4-1 in New Zealand’s favor, both teams now turn their focus to the upcoming ODI series, which kicks off in Napier on Saturday.
