New Zealand’s fast bowlers dominated Pakistan in swinging conditions at Mount Maunganui, securing a huge 115-run victory and sealing the series 3-1 with a game to spare. After keeping the series alive with a win in Auckland, Pakistan struggled in this match and were bowled out for just 76 runs in 16.2 overs. New Zealand’s four seamers took nine of the ten wickets, with Jacob Duffy leading the attack by taking three early wickets in the powerplay, leaving Pakistan unable to recover from their poor start.
New Zealand’s Strong Batting Performance
Earlier, Finn Allen smashed a quick 50 off just 20 balls, while Tim Seifert and Michael Bracewell added valuable runs, helping New Zealand post a strong total of 220/6. The team started aggressively, scoring 79 runs in the powerplay, and despite slowing down in the middle overs, they still managed a second consecutive 200-plus total—too big a target for Pakistan to chase.
Pakistan’s Batting Collapse
Pakistan’s chase never got going, as New Zealand’s bowlers took full advantage of the swinging conditions. Unlike their win in Auckland, Pakistan couldn’t benefit from the dew factor this time. Will O’Rourke, playing his first game of the series, bowled Mohammad Haris early, while Duffy dismissed Hasan Nawaz and captain Salman Agha in the same over. Zakary Foulkes, one of New Zealand’s two new players, made an immediate impact by clean bowling Shadab Khan with his very first ball.
Pakistan collapsed, losing eight wickets for just 56 runs. The game was practically over by the halfway stage of the chase, despite a lone fight from Abdul Samad, who scored 44 off 30 balls.