Phillips and Mitchell’s outstanding performances lead New Zealand to a commanding 4-0 lead in the T20I series against Pakistan
New Zealand demonstrated a commanding performance, clinching a 4-0 lead in the T20I series against Pakistan with a convincing seven-wicket victory in the fourth match held in Christchurch.
Despite facing a shaky start with the team at 20-3 in the third over of their run-chase, Glenn Phillips and Daryl Mitchell orchestrated a remarkable turnaround. Their formidable partnership resulted in 139 runs off 93 balls, ultimately guiding New Zealand to victory with 11 balls to spare.
Mitchell’s stellar innings comprised 72 runs in 44 balls, complemented by Phillips’ contribution of 70 runs in 52 balls. It’s noteworthy that all three wickets during New Zealand’s innings were claimed by Pakistan captain Shaheen Afridi.
This dominant performance by the Kiwis solidified their lead in the T20I series.
In the earlier innings, Mohammad Rizwan played a pivotal role, scoring an unbeaten 90 runs in 63 balls, featuring six fours and two sixes. This propelled Pakistan to set a target of 159 runs for New Zealand. Supporting Rizwan’s efforts, Mohammad Nawaz added a quick-fire 21 runs in just nine balls, including three consecutive sixes off pacer Adam Milne in the penultimate over of the innings. Babar Azam, contributing 19 runs in 11 balls, partnered with Rizwan to add 51 runs in 31 balls for the second wicket.
On the bowling front, Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry were the key performers for the home side, each claiming two wickets.
Despite New Zealand facing challenges with the absence of opener Devon Conway, ruled out due to a positive Covid-19 test, and bowling coach Andre Adams also testing positive, the team displayed resilience and secured a decisive victory.
Pakistan’s playing XI included Mohammad Rizwan, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Sahibzada Farhan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi (c), Mohammad Wasim, Haris Rauf, and Zaman Khan. New Zealand’s lineup featured Finn Allen, Tim Seifert (wk), Will Young, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner (c), Adam Milne, Matthew Henry, Tim Southee, and Lockie Ferguson.
This series marks Pakistan’s first under the captaincy of Shaheen Afridi ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup scheduled for June.