MOUNT MAUNGANUI: Pakistan recorded its heaviest defeat in T20Is, losing to New Zealand by 115 runs in the fourth T20I at Bay Oval on Sunday.
Chasing a daunting total of 221, Pakistan’s batting order collapsed under the pressure, getting bowled out for only 105 runs.
Pakistan’s crushing defeat marked their biggest loss in terms of runs in T2OI internationals, exceeding their previous record for a 95-run defeat in 2016.
Green Shirts’s previous record for the biggest defeat was also against New Zealand in Wellington.
Additionally, it was New Zealand’s second-highest winning margin in terms of runs, nearly surpassing the previous mark of 118 runs against the West Indies in 2018 at the same Bay Oval venue.
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Pakistan team encountered early difficulties, losing their top three batters within just two overs. Openers Mohammad Haris (2), Hasan Nawaz (1), and skipper Salman Ali Agha (1) were dismissed in quick succession.
After this shaky start, the Pakistan team struggled to recover in their chase against New Zealand.
Their vice-captain, Shadab Khan, fell for a mere one run in the fourth over, leaving the team in deep trouble with a score of 26-4 after just 4.1 overs.
The Men in Green lost wickets regularly against a well-disciplined New Zealand bowling attack and were ultimately bowled out for a modest total in 16.2 overs.
The only bright spot in an otherwise poor batting performance was Abdul Samad, who scored 44 off 30 deliveries, an innings that included two sixes and four fours.
For New Zealand, Jacob Duffy was the standout bowler, taking four wickets in his four overs, while Zakary Foulkes provided strong support, claiming three wickets of his own.
Earlier, after being invited to bat first, New Zealand posted a mammoth 221-run target in 20 overs.
Finn Allen scored a blistering 50 of 20 balls, featuring six fours and three sixes, earning him a Player of the Match award.
READ: Salman Ali Agha opens up after Pakistan’s crushing defeat against New Zealand in fourth T20I