Pakistan’s difficulties in T20Is worsened following their worst-ever loss in the format, a 115-run defeat to New Zealand in the fourth T20I at Mount Maunganui. Running after a difficult 221-run target, Pakistan’s batting order crumbled under stress and only 105 runs were hit in 16.2 over innings. Though many crucial players had gone to the Indian Premier League (IPL), the loss gave New Zealand a 3-1 lead that was insurmountable in the five-match series.
Batting Breakdown brings Shame
Pakistan’s method lacked composure as they folded against the disciplined Kiwi attack of fastballs. While Zakary Foulkes took three wickets, Jacob Duffy led New Zealand’s dominance with a four-wicket haul. The guests did not form alliances; only two batters, Abdul Samad (44) and Irfan Khan (24), managed to score above ten. Nine players were struck for single numbers, the rest of the batting order slumped.
With 115 runs, the T20I history’s biggest margin marked Pakistan’s worst loss in runs. Also against New Zealand in Wellington when they went down by 95 runs, their last worst year was 2016. New Zealand’s 119-run T20Is success against West Indies in 2018 at the same venue falls only just below their second-best win by runs in T20Is for New Zealand.
Early Signs of Warning Disregarded
From the series’ first game, when Pakistan was bowled out for 91 with 59 balls remaining, their worst-ever T20I defeat in terms of balls remaining was apparent. Their awful batting still resulted in yet another embarrassing defeat notwithstanding the caution.
Pakistan Steers Clear of Unwanted Record
Pakistan seemed at 56-8 to be heading for their lowest T20I total ever—74 against Australia in 2012. Still, Abdul Samad’s defiance helped them to exceed this level ultimately collapsing at 105. With his 44 runs, Pakistan prevented another unwanted record in a already poor performance.
The Power Hitters of New Zealand Shine
Finn Allen raced to 50 off only 20 balls to give an explosive beginning earlier in the match. With a 59-run first stand, Tim Seifert scored 44 off 22 balls. Haris Rauf’s 3-27 helping gave Pakistan some respite, but New Zealand’s pace kept going. Smashing an unbeaten 46 off 26 deliveries, Captain Michael Bracewell led the final push that carried the host beyond the 200-run level once more.
New Zealand underlined their supremacy with this resounding victory, leaving Pakistan with major concerns about their T20I play heading of next championships.
