In the fourth T20I between Pakistan and New Zealand, Mohammad Rizwan played a crucial innings, scoring an unbeaten 90 runs in 63 balls, helping Pakistan set a target of 159 runs. Rizwan’s innings included six fours and two sixes.
Mohammad Nawaz also contributed with a quick-fire 21 runs in nine balls, including three consecutive sixes off pacer Adam Milne in the penultimate over.
Babar Azam added 19 runs in 11 balls and partnered with Rizwan for a 51-run stand for the second wicket. The home side’s bowlers, Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry, claimed two wickets each. Earlier, New Zealand won the toss and chose to bowl, and Pakistan made one change in their lineup with Sahibzada Farhan replacing Azam Khan.
Notably, New Zealand faced setbacks as opener Devon Conway tested positive for Covid-19, ruling him out of the match. Canterbury Kings batter Chad Bowes joined the squad as cover, while bowling coach Andre Adams also tested positive. In the absence of regular skipper Kane Williamson, spinner Mitch Santner led the team.
In the previous T20, Finn Allen’s explosive innings of 137 off 62 balls powered New Zealand to a series-clinching victory in Dunedin. The Kiwis set an imposing total of 224-7, with Allen hitting 16 sixes, the joint-most in a men’s T20 International innings. Despite Babar Azam’s fifty, Pakistan managed 179-7 in reply.
This series marks Pakistan’s first under new T20 captain Shaheen Afridi, preparing for the upcoming T20 World Cup in June. New Zealand secured a 3-0 lead in the five-match series, winning the first T20I by 46 runs and the second by 21 runs. The final match is scheduled for Sunday in Christchurch.
