New Zealand secured a convincing victory over Pakistan in the fifth and final T20I held at the Sky Stadium in Wellington on March 26, 2025.
The Kiwis won the match by 8 wickets, wrapping up the series with a dominant 4-1 scoreline.
This match not only highlighted New Zealand’s depth and resilience but also exposed the struggles of a deflated Pakistani side.
Match Overview
New Zealand won the toss and opted to bowl first, a decision that proved fruitful as they restricted Pakistan to 128 runs in their allotted 20 overs.
The Pakistani batting lineup struggled against disciplined bowling from the Kiwis, with only Salman Ali Agha managing to make a significant contribution, scoring 41 runs.
The rest of the batting order faltered, leading to a disappointing total.
In response, New Zealand chased down the target with ease, reaching 131 runs for the loss of just 2 wickets in only 10 overs.
Tim Seifert was the standout performer for the Kiwis, finishing unbeaten on 97 runs off just 38 balls, including several explosive sixes that showcased his aggressive batting style.
His innings was instrumental in ensuring that New Zealand completed the chase with ten overs to spare.
Key Performances
- New Zealand’s Bowling Attack:
- Jacob Duffy continued his impressive form, taking 2 wickets for 13 runs, further solidifying his status as one of the top bowlers in the series.
- Other bowlers like Ben Sears contributed effectively, maintaining pressure on the Pakistani batsmen throughout their innings.
- Pakistan’s Batting Struggles:
- The Pakistani batting lineup struggled to find rhythm, with only a few players managing to reach double figures.
- The failure of key players to perform under pressure highlighted issues within the team, which has faced criticism for its inconsistency throughout the series.
- Tim Seifert’s Explosive Knock:
- Seifert’s innings was marked by aggressive stroke play, including multiple sixes that demoralized the Pakistani bowlers.
- His ability to finish games quickly has made him a valuable asset for New Zealand in T20 cricket.
Series Summary
The series concluded with New Zealand showcasing their strength and depth, particularly with several key players missing due to injuries.
Stand-in captain Michael Bracewell led effectively, ensuring that his team maintained focus and intensity throughout the series.
In contrast, Pakistan’s performance raised questions about their preparations and ability to adapt under pressure.
With this series now behind them, both teams will shift their focus to the upcoming three-match ODI series starting on March 29, 2025.
For Pakistan, it will be crucial to regroup and address their batting woes if they hope to compete effectively against a confident New Zealand side.
Also Read: 3 Reasons Why the Pakistan Cricket Team is in Big Trouble
