Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips orchestrated a clinical seven-wicket victory for New Zealand against Pakistan in the fourth Twenty20 international in Christchurch on Friday, propelling them towards a potential series clean sweep. The formidable Black Caps duo notched up unbeaten half-centuries in a remarkable 139-run partnership, guiding the home side to 159-3 in the 19th over, successfully chasing Pakistan’s 158-5.
Facing early setbacks with a score of 3-20 in the third over due to Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi’s prowess, Mitchell and Phillips showcased resilience and skill. Mitchell contributed 72 runs off 44 balls, while Phillips added 70 runs off 52, accelerating in the closing stages to secure victory with 11 balls to spare. New Zealand is now poised to seal the series with a potential 5-0 triumph in the final match on Sunday at Hagley Oval.
Pakistan, heavily reliant on Mohammad Rizwan’s unbeaten 90 off 63 balls, struggled to support their opening batter, leading to a total of 158-5. Rizwan’s innings featured six fours and two sixes against a disciplined New Zealand attack led by Matt Henry (2-22) and Lockie Ferguson (2-27).
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Despite threatening to achieve his second T20 international century, Rizwan was denied strike towards the end. Mohammad Nawaz, with 21 off nine balls, was the only other contributor, hitting three successive sixes off pace bowler Adam Milne in the final over.
Afridi’s three-wicket haul initially put Pakistan in a competitive position, dismissing Finn Allen, Tim Seifert, and Will Young. However, Mitchell and Phillips steadily regained momentum for New Zealand. Pakistan missed a crucial opportunity when Sahibzada Farhan dropped a straightforward chance offered by Mitchell in the 14th over.
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In a match where New Zealand won the toss and opted to bowl first, Pakistan made a lineup change, replacing Azam Khan with Sahibzada Farhan. Additionally, New Zealand faced setbacks as opener Devon Conway was ruled out after testing positive for Covid-19, with Chad Bowes joining the squad as cover. Bowling coach Andre Adams also tested positive for Covid, according to New Zealand Cricket.