New Zealand secured a commanding eight-wicket victory over Pakistan in the 5th T20I at Sky Stadium, Wellington, on March 26, 2025. The home team chased down the 129-run target in just 10 overs, thanks to a breathtaking unbeaten knock of 97 runs from Tim Seifert. With this win, New Zealand further solidified their dominance over Pakistan in the series.
Pakistan Struggles with the Bat
Opting to bat first after losing the toss, Pakistan struggled to build momentum and managed only 128/9 in their 20 overs. Captain Salman Agha played a lone hand, scoring a valiant 51 off 39 balls, while Shadab Khan contributed 28 runs off 20 balls. However, the rest of the batting lineup failed to deliver.
The Kiwis’ bowling attack was led by James Neesham, who delivered a sensational spell, taking 5 wickets for just 22 runs in his 4 overs. Jacob Duffy also impressed with figures of 2/18, while Ben Sears and Ish Sodhi picked up a wicket each.
Pakistan’s Batting Scorecard:
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Salman Agha (c): 51 (39)
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Shadab Khan: 28 (20)
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Mohammad Haris (wk): 11 (17)
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Extras: 13
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Total: 128/9 (20 overs)
Seifert’s Onslaught Demolishes Pakistan’s Bowling Attack
Chasing a modest total, New Zealand made a fiery start, with openers Tim Seifert and Finn Allen attacking from the first over. Seifert was in destructive form, smashing 97 runs off just 38 balls, including 6 fours and 10 sixes at a strike rate of 255.26. Finn Allen also contributed with a quick 27 off 12 balls.
Despite Pakistan getting two breakthroughs, Mark Chapman (3) and Finn Allen (27), New Zealand’s chase was never in doubt. Daryl Mitchell (2*) accompanied Seifert as the Black Caps reached 131/2 in just 10 overs.
New Zealand’s Batting Scorecard:
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Tim Seifert: 97* (38)
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Finn Allen: 27 (12)
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Extras: 2
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Total: 131/2 (10 overs)
Pakistan’s Bowling Fails to Make an Impact
Pakistan’s bowlers had no answer to New Zealand’s aggressive approach. Sufiyan Muqeem was the only bright spot, picking up 2 wickets for just 6 runs in his 2 overs. However, the rest of the bowling attack was taken apart, with Jahandad Khan conceding 43 runs in 2 overs.
Pakistan’s Bowling Figures:
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Sufiyan Muqeem: 2-0-6-2
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Haris Rauf: 2-0-22-0
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Mohammad Ali: 2-0-27-0
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Shadab Khan: 2-0-33-0
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Jahandad Khan: 2-0-43-0
Match Summary
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Match: New Zealand vs Pakistan, 5th T20I
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Venue: Sky Stadium, Wellington
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Toss: New Zealand won the toss and opted to bowl
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Pakistan: 128/9 (20 overs)
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New Zealand: 131/2 (10 overs)
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Result: New Zealand won by 8 wickets
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Player of the Match: Tim Seifert (97* off 38)
New Zealand’s emphatic performance highlighted their dominance in the series, while Pakistan will need to address their batting and bowling inconsistencies ahead of their upcoming fixtures.
