New Zealand Crushes Pakistan in Fifth T20 Match
Jimmy Neesham’s 5-22 and Tim Seifert’s 97 Lead to 4-1 Series Victory
Neesham’s Five-Wicket Feat
During the fifth T20 match in Wellington, New Zealand, Jimmy Neesham claimed an outstanding 5-22, becoming the fourth New Zealander to grab five wickets in a T20 game. This helped limit Pakistan to 128-9 after New Zealand won the toss.
Seifert’s Spectacular Batting
Tim Seifert then spearheaded New Zealand’s run chase, smashing 97 from just 38 deliveries. He and Finn Allen started at a remarkable pace, reaching 45-0 after three overs and 50 from 22 balls. The duo scored 93 for the first wicket in 6.2 overs before Allen was dismissed for 27 from 12 balls.
Seifert’s Speedy Half-Century
Seifert quickly reached his 10th T20 half-century in 23 balls, striking five sixes and five fours. He maintained his rapid pace, concluding the New Zealand run chase with four sixes in the 10th over.
Seifert’s Satisfaction
“After nearly getting hit in the head by that first ball, I thought there’s only one way to play,” Seifert said. “One thing I’m proud of is that I came into the series and played the way I wanted to play.”
Pakistan’s Challenges
On the other hand, Pakistan faced difficulties against the bounce generated by the New Zealand bowlers. They were 27-3 after the power play and 52-4 at the midpoint of their innings. Opener Hasan Nawaz was dismissed for a duck, continuing an unusual start to his international career.
Captain Salman Ali Agha’s Contribution
Captain Salman Ali Agha scored 51 from 39 balls and added 54 for the sixth wicket with Shadab Khan, who made 28 from 20 balls. However, Shadab was controversially given out due to a debatable call on a wide ball.
Series Recap
- New Zealand triumphed in the fifth T20 match by eight wickets with 10 overs remaining.
- Jimmy Neesham took 5-22, and Tim Seifert scored 97 from 38 balls.
- New Zealand achieved a 4-1 series victory over Pakistan.
