Pakistan’s batting woes persisted in the fifth and final T20I against New Zealand in Wellington, as the visitors could only muster 128/9 in their 20 overs. Despite a fighting 51 from skipper Salman Agha, Pakistan never managed to gain momentum against a disciplined New Zealand bowling attack.
Opting to bat first, Pakistan lost opener Hasan Nawaz for a duck, followed by quick dismissals of Mohammad Haris (11) and Omair Yousuf (7). At 25/3, the team found themselves in trouble. The middle order offered little resistance, with Usman Khan (7) and Abdul Samad (4) unable to build a partnership. Shadab Khan chipped in with a 28 off 20 balls, but the innings lacked any real acceleration.
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Salman Agha played a lone hand, scoring six fours and a six, but his dismissal in the 19th over ended Pakistan’s hopes of posting a competitive total. New Zealand’s James Neesham was the star with the ball, claiming 5/22, supported by Jacob Duffy (2/18) and Ish Sodhi (1/32), who kept Pakistan’s batters in check.
New Zealand, needing just 129 to win at a required rate of 6.45, are in a strong position to chase the target and clinch the series. With a pitch offering some early movement, they will look to capitalise on Pakistan’s modest score.
