Duffy and Foulkes Shine as New Zealand Triumph Over Pakistan by 115 Runs in 4th T20I

Synopsis

In the fourth T20I, New Zealand secured a remarkable 115-run victory over Pakistan, thanks to standout performances from Jacob Duffy and Zakary Foulkes. Duffy took 4 wickets, while Foulkes added 3, helping New Zealand clinch a commanding 3-1 series lead with a total of 220 runs.

Key Takeaways

Jacob Duffy took 4 wickets for 20 runs.
Zakary Foulkes claimed 3 wickets for 25 runs.
Finn Allen scored a quick-fire 50 off 20 balls.
New Zealand posted a formidable total of 220 runs.
Pakistan was bowled out for just 105 runs.

Mount Maunganui, March 23 (NationPress) Fast bowlers Jacob Duffy and Zakary Foulkes propelled New Zealand to a resounding 115-run victory against Pakistan in the fourth T20I, securing an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match series at the Bay Oval on Sunday.

Opting to bat first, New Zealand amassed 220/6 in their 20 overs, highlighted by a rapid half-century from Finn Allen, who scored 50 runs off just 20 balls, featuring six fours and three sixes. Tim Seifert contributed 44 runs, while Michael Bracewell remained unbeaten on 46. For Pakistan, Haris Rauf was the standout bowler with figures of 3-27, and Abrar Ahmed took two wickets.

In response, Pakistan was dismissed for just 105 runs in 16.2 overs, with New Zealand's four-pronged seam attack taking nine out of ten wickets. Abdul Samad was the top scorer for Pakistan, making 44 runs off 30 balls, including four fours and two sixes.

Duffy emerged as the most effective bowler for New Zealand, claiming 4 wickets for 20 runs, while Foulkes took 3-25.

Chasing a target of 221, Pakistan failed to exploit the dew conditions and struggled against the Black Caps' pace attack. Will O'Rourke dismissed Mohammed Haris on the first ball of the innings, followed by Duffy taking out Hasan Nawaz and captain Salman Agha in quick succession. Foulkes also made an early impact by cleaning up Shadab Khan in the fifth over.

Pakistan found themselves in dire straits at 56/8 by 9.6 overs, effectively sealing their fate before halfway through their innings. Duffy later dismissed Rauf, while Samad valiantly fought back with his knock of 44.

Duffy returned for his final over and added another wicket to finish with 4 for 20, while Foulkes ended with three wickets overall.

Earlier, openers Seifert and Allen provided a blistering start, reaching 50 runs in just 3.5 overs. However, Pakistan quickly responded, with Haris Rauf taking out Seifert, who was caught spectacularly by Khushdil. New Zealand concluded the power-play at 79 for 1, marking the second-highest powerplay total against Pakistan in men's T20Is.

After Seifert's wicket, Allen continued to dominate, reaching his fifty off just 19 balls before falling to Abbas Afridi on the subsequent delivery. From a strong position of 134/2, New Zealand slipped to 149/5 as Pakistan bowled five overs without a boundary.

New Zealand scored 63 runs in the last five overs, with Daryl Mitchell contributing 29 runs off 23 balls. However, it was Bracewell's explosive 46 that propelled New Zealand past the 200 mark.

Summary of scores:

New Zealand: 220/6 in 20 overs (Finn Allen 50, Michael Bracewell 46 not out, Tim Seifert 44; Haris Rauf 3-27) defeated Pakistan: 105 all out in 16.2 overs (Abdul Samad 44; Jacob Duffy 4-20, Zakary Foulkes 3-25) by 115 runs.