New Zealand continued their unbeaten run over Pakistan in the final of three Twenty20 matches, taking the match by eight wickets. With this victory, they won the series 4-1. Taking to the crease on Wednesday, Tim Seifert and Jimmy Neesham were both in sensational touch. Their inspirational work led New Zealand to a historic win.
Opener Allen gave the perfect launchpad to New Zealand’s innings with an explosive 27 off just 12 balls. His innings featured five fours and a mammoth six, and his aggressive approach established a predatory tone from the onset. Allen was the first of the trio to fall, in the seventh over. When he was controversially removed, New Zealand were well on their way to a score of 93.
Tim Seifert soon took over with a savage unbeaten 97 off only 38 balls. Seifert’s innings was an exhibition of power-hitting pure and simple, containing six fours and ten sixes. He opened New Zealand’s batting with a thunderous pace. He clobbered 18 runs coming only off the first over! In a stunningly hostile sixth over, Seifert smashed 25 runs off three sixes that proved he was the boss at the crease on the day.
Seifert was well-supported by Daryl Mitchell, as the pair put on an important 6th wicket stand. Together, they added 54 runs to the total, standing firm against Pakistan's pace attack and refusing to succumb to pressure. Their combination helped New Zealand stay on top and never let go of the game.
In the bowling department, Jimmy Neesham turned out to be the standout performer for New Zealand. Neesham had a special spell as he took 5 wickets for 22 runs in his 4 overs. This remarkable performance marked his maiden five-wicket haul in T20 Internationals, further solidifying his position as a key player for New Zealand.
