CHRISTCHURCH – A solid-fourth wicket partnership helped New Zealand registered their fourth straight win over Pakistan in the five-match T20I series in Christchurch on Friday.
The hosts achieved the target of 159 runs in 18.1 overs for the loss of three wickets after successfully overcoming early stutters as they lost first three wickets in quick sessions.
However, Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips stitched a healthy partnership as they made 70 and 72 respectively.
Earlier, Kiwis won the toss and put Pakistan to bat first. Mohammad Rizwan smashed 90 runs while Babar Azam scored 19. Mohammad Nawaz made 21 runs.
On Wednesday, the hosts won the third T20I at University Oval, Dunedin by 45 runs taking an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series. After being put to bat first, New Zealand put a mammoth total of 224-7, owing to a brilliant century by Finn Allen. In reply, Pakistan could only manage 179-7 in their 20 overs.
Southee, who picked up two wickets at the expense of 29 runs in his allotted four overs, was the pick of the bowlers for New Zealand as the home side successfully restricted Pakistan to 179-7 in 20 overs to win the game by 45 runs.
