Experienced all-rounder Jimmy Neesham delivered under pressure to secure a four-run win for New Zealand by defending six runs on the final ball in the fourth Twenty20 international against Pakistan in Lahore on Thursday.
Despite conceding a boundary on the first ball of the over, Neesham’s efforts culminated in heartbreak for the packed Gaddafi Stadium crowd as Pakistan fell short in their chase of 179.
New Zealand set a target of 178-7, buoyed by opener Tim Robinson’s maiden half-century, which saw him score 51 off 36 balls. Pacer William O’Rourke was pivotal, taking 3-27, including critical wickets that helped restrict Pakistan to 174-8. Returning to the side, Imad Wasim could only manage a single on the final delivery, cementing New Zealand’s lead in the series at 2-1, with the final match scheduled for Saturday in Lahore.
Pakistan, facing back-to-back losses after their initial win in the series, finds these defeats troubling as they prepare for the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup in the United States and West Indies. Conversely, New Zealand demonstrated its depth, gaining momentum ahead of the World Cup.
Fakhar Zaman’s robust 45-ball 61, featuring three sixes and four boundaries, sparked hope for Pakistan, forging a critical 59-run partnership with Iftikhar Ahmed for the fifth wicket. However, O’Rourke’s dismissal of Ahmed, combined with Ben Sears’ crucial wicket of Zaman, shifted the momentum back to New Zealand.
Robinson’s aggressive batting propelled New Zealand after being put into bat. His partnership with Tom Blundell, who contributed 28 from 15 balls, set a strong foundation. Despite a mid-innings wobble, contributions from Dean Foxcroft and captain Michael Bracewell helped New Zealand post a competitive total.
Pakistan made five changes for this match, adjusting for injuries and rest rotations among key players, which impacted their performance.
