New Zealand Secures 3-0 Series Lead, Defeating Pakistan In T20I

New Zealand displayed confidence in the third T20I against Pakistan, securing victory and taking an unassailable 3-0 lead in the 5-match series. The hosts, having already won the first two games, posted a formidable total of 224 runs, largely fueled by Finn Allen’s outstanding century.

Opting to bat first after winning the toss, New Zealand faced an early setback with the departure of opener Devon Conway. Tim Seifert, substituting for the injured Kane Williamson, joined Finn Allen in a crucial partnership that yielded 125 runs for the third wicket. Allen’s explosive innings of 137 runs set a new record for the highest individual score in a T20I for New Zealand, surpassing Brendon McCullum’s previous mark.

Read more : Pakistan Makes 3 Changes In Squad For 3rd T20

Finn Allen produced the highest individual score by a New Zealand batter in T20I history 🇳🇿

More records ➡️ https://t.co/RlsPoh5tjI pic.twitter.com/FVjriAFlXh

— ICC (@ICC) January 17, 2024

Despite the key wicket of Allen taken by Pakistan’s Zaman Khan, New Zealand continued their aggressive approach, reaching a total of 224 runs in their allotted 20 overs. In response, Pakistan faced a challenging target of 225 runs.

Saim Ayub fell early in the chase, and although Vice-Captain Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam contributed with scores of 24 and 58 respectively, it wasn’t sufficient. Mitchell Santner dismissed Rizwan, and no other batsman made a significant impact on the game. Fakhar Zaman managed 19 runs, and Azam Khan scored 10. Babar Azam, however, showcased his batting prowess by achieving a third consecutive half-century, scoring 58 off 37 balls.

The Pakistani middle order struggled to build partnerships, and despite some resistance from Nawaz and Afridi, the team could only manage 179-7 in 20 overs. New Zealand’s bowling attack, led by Tim Southee with two crucial wickets, and contributions from Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Santner, and Sodhi, played a pivotal role in securing the victory.

With this win, New Zealand not only claimed the T20I series but also positioned themselves with an unassailable lead of 3-0. The comprehensive performance by the Kiwis in the third match puts them in a commanding position, while Pakistan faces the challenge of avoiding a whitewash in the remaining two encounters.