March 26, 2025: Pakistan suffered yet another crushing defeat at the hands of New Zealand in the fifth and final T20I at Sky Stadium, Wellington, as they were handed a comprehensive 8-wicket loss. The hosts chased down Pakistan’s total of 128/9 with ease, reaching the target in just 10 overs and securing the series 4-1.
James Neesham was the star with the ball, taking an impressive five wickets for 22 runs. His performance was the highlight of Pakistan’s batting collapse, which saw them struggling from the start. New Zealand’s chase was powered by Tim Seifert, who remained unbeaten on 97 from just 38 balls, leading his team to a dominant victory.
Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, New Zealand made early inroads into Pakistan’s batting. Jacob Duffy struck in the first over to dismiss Hasan Nawaz for a duck. The young opener’s poor tour continued as it was his third duck in the series. Mohammad Haris and Omair Yousuf also fell cheaply, leaving Pakistan reeling at 27/3 after the powerplay.
Ish Sodhi joined the attack and removed Usman Khan, while Neesham had an immediate impact by dismissing Abdul Samad. Pakistan’s middle order, led by skipper Salman Agha and Shadab Khan, tried to steady the ship but Neesham returned to take the crucial wickets of Shadab and Jahandad Khan in the 17th over. Salman reached a fighting half-century but was dismissed by Neesham, who completed his fifer by removing Sufiyan Muqeem in the final over. Pakistan ended up with a modest total of 128/9.
In reply, New Zealand wasted no time in the chase. Seifert took charge right from the start, smashing two sixes and a four off Jahandad Khan in the opening overs. Finn Allen also played his part, hitting Mohammad Ali for two fours and a six. New Zealand raced to 50 in just the fourth over.
Jahandad returned for his second spell, but Seifert continued his onslaught, hitting him for three sixes and a four in one over, reaching his half-century in just 23 balls. By the time New Zealand reached 92/0 at the end of the powerplay, they were well ahead of the required rate.
Left-arm chinaman bowler Sufiyan Muqeem provided Pakistan with their first breakthrough, dismissing Allen (27 from 12 balls). Muqeem struck again in his next over, removing Mark Chapman. But it was all too late as Seifert, with his fierce hitting, took New Zealand to the target. In the 10th over, Seifert blasted Shadab Khan for four sixes, including three consecutive ones, to finish the game in style. Seifert’s explosive knock of 97 included 10 sixes and 8 fours, taking New Zealand to victory with 8 wickets in hand.
The win sealed a commanding 4-1 series victory for New Zealand, showcasing their dominance throughout the series. Despite the absence of some key players who are participating in the Indian Premier League (IPL), the hosts proved too strong for Pakistan, who once again struggled to cope with the pressure in crucial moments.