Seifert’s explosive knock and Neesham’s five-wicket haul power New Zealand to a 4-1 T20I series win over Pakistan

Tim Seifert’s explosive half-century, coupled with Jimmy Neesham’s outstanding five-wicket haul, propelled New Zealand to a commanding eight-wicket victory over Pakistan in the final T20I of the five-match series at Sky Stadium on Wednesday.

Chasing a modest target of 129, New Zealand cruised to victory in just 10 overs, losing only two wickets. The foundation for the chase was laid by a blistering opening stand between Seifert and Finn Allen, who put on 93 runs in no time. Allen struck a quick 27 off 12 balls, smashing five fours and a six, before falling to Sufiyan Muqeem in the seventh over.

Muqeem struck again in his next over, dismissing Mark Chapman via stumping, briefly unsettling New Zealand’s progress. However, Seifert remained unstoppable, hammering an unbeaten 97 off 38 balls, laced with six fours and ten sixes. Daryl Mitchell (2*) supported him as they added 28 quick runs to complete the chase with ease.

For Pakistan, Muqeem was the lone bright spot with the ball, picking up 2/6 in his two overs.

Earlier, after being asked to bat first by New Zealand skipper Michael Bracewell, Pakistan struggled to put up a competitive total. Despite captain Salman Ali Agha’s fighting 51, they were limited to 128/9 in 20 overs.

Pakistan’s innings got off to a rocky start, losing Hasan Nawaz for a duck in the second over with just five runs on the board. Mohammad Haris (11) and Omair Bin Yousuf (7) departed soon after, leaving the visitors in deep trouble. At 52/5 in the 11th over, Agha and Shadab Khan attempted to revive the innings with a 54-run stand for the sixth wicket.

Shadab’s promising 28 off 20 balls was cut short by Neesham, who struck again in quick succession to dismiss Jahandad Khan (1). Agha, the last major resistance for Pakistan, also fell to Neesham, who ended with match-winning figures of 5/22 in four overs. Jacob Duffy (2/18), Ish Sodhi (1/32), and Ben Sears (1/25) provided valuable support as Pakistan failed to gain momentum.

With this dominant victory, New Zealand sealed the series 4-1, wrapping up the final match in emphatic fashion. Neesham’s heroics with the ball and Seifert’s dazzling knock ensured the hosts ended the series on a high note.