New Zealand triumphed in a nail-biting fourth T20I against Pakistan at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, clinching a four-run win to take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.
After winning the toss and opting to bowl first, Pakistan restricted New Zealand to 178/7. The visitors’ total was anchored by a fiery 51 from opener Tim Robinson, with valuable support from Tom Blundell (28) and Michael Bracewell (27).
In their chase, Pakistan stumbled early with captain Babar Azam dismissed for just 5 runs. Youngsters Saim Ayub (20) and Usman Khan (16) couldn’t build on their starts, but Fakhar Zaman’s 61 off 45 balls kept Pakistan’s hopes alive. Despite late efforts from Imad Wasim (22*), Pakistan ended at 174/8, just short of the target.
William O’Rourke was instrumental for New Zealand, taking three crucial wickets for 27 runs, while Ben Sears contributed two wickets for the same cost.
On the New Zealand side, their aggressive start set a solid foundation, but Pakistan’s Abbas Afridi’s impressive figures of 3/20 kept the Black Caps in check.
With the series delicately balanced at 2-1, the stage is set for an exciting finale on April 27 at Gaddafi Stadium.
Team changes saw Imad Wasim replace the injured Irfan Niazi, Fakhar Zaman replace Rizwan, and Mohammad Amir and Zaman Khan join the playing XI, while Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah were rested.
Here’s a recap of the series schedule:
– April 18 — 1st T20I, Rawalpindi — Match called off due to rain
– April 20 — 2nd T20I, Rawalpindi — Pakistan won by seven wickets
– April 21 — 3rd T20I, Rawalpindi — New Zealand won by seven wickets
– April 25 — 4th T20I, Lahore — New Zealand won by four runs
– April 27 — 5th T20I, Lahore
Both teams are set for a thrilling conclusion in the final match of the series.
