Pakistan faced a seven-wicket defeat in the fourth T20I against New Zealand in Christchurch, edging New Zealand closer to a series sweep.
Despite a shaky start at 20-3, New Zealand’s Glenn Phillips and Daryl Mitchell formed a formidable 139-run partnership in 93 balls, securing the win with 11 balls remaining. Both notched up half-centuries.
Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan remained unbeaten with 90 runs off 63 balls, setting a target of 159. His innings featured six fours and two sixes. Mohammad Nawaz contributed a brisk 21 in nine balls, including a trio of sixes off Adam Milne.
Babar Azam added 19 runs in 11 balls, partnering with Rizwan for a 51-run second wicket. New Zealand’s Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry each took two wickets.
Earlier, New Zealand opted to field first in this T20I. Pakistan introduced Sahibzada Farhan, replacing Azam Khan. Hours before the match, New Zealand’s Devon Conway tested positive for COVID-19 and entered isolation, as New Zealand Cricket (NZC) stated.
From Canterbury Kings, Chad Bowes joined the squad as Conway’s substitute. NZC also reported bowling coach Andre Adams’ positive Covid test.
Mitch Santner, leading New Zealand in Kane Williamson’s absence, missed the first match due to Covid. Adam Milne marked his 50th T20 international, replacing Ish Sodhi, while Will Young stepped in for Conway.
Team Lineups
Pakistan: Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Sahibzada Farhan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi (c), Mohammad Wasim, Haris Rauf, Zaman Khan.
New Zealand: Finn Allen, Tim Seifert (wk), Will Young, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner (c), Adam Milne, Matthew Henry, Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson.
