Auckland, March 23, 2025: Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha admitted that New Zealand thoroughly outclassed his team in the fourth T20I at Bay Oval, as the hosts sealed a 115-run victory to claim the series 3-1. Pakistan, chasing a daunting 221-run target, collapsed to 105 all out, unable to counter the disciplined Kiwi bowling attack.
“They bowled really well and outplayed us,” Agha said in the post-match press conference. “The ball was swinging, and it was turning as well, but as international cricketers, we have to adapt and be better.” Despite the series defeat, he stressed the importance of regrouping and ending on a high note in the final game. “We need to come back stronger and win the last match.”
Pakistan’s batting implosion began early, with Mohammad Haris falling for just two runs in the first over to Will O’Rourke. Jacob Duffy compounded their woes in the next over, dismissing Hasan Nawaz and Agha himself for single-digit scores, leaving the visitors reeling at 9-3. Shadab Khan’s departure for one run deepened the crisis, followed by the dismissals of Irfan Khan Niazi (24), Khushdil Shah (6), and Abbas Afridi, reducing Pakistan to 56-8. Duffy continued his rampage, removing Haris Rauf for six before Abdul Samad’s fighting 44-run knock ended Pakistan’s innings in 16.2 overs.
Earlier, New Zealand’s openers dominated from the outset, racing to 59 in just 4.1 overs. Although Shaheen Afridi struggled with the new ball, Haris Rauf provided a breakthrough by dismissing Tim Seifert for 44. Finn Allen carried the momentum forward with an explosive 50 off 19 balls before falling to Abbas Afridi. The middle order wobbled briefly, but a counterattacking 68-run partnership between Michael Bracewell and Mitchell Santner propelled New Zealand past 200. Rauf finished with three wickets, while Abrar Ahmed and Abbas Afridi picked up crucial breakthroughs, but Pakistan’s bowlers failed to contain the onslaught.
With the series already lost, Pakistan will look to salvage pride in the fifth and final T20I, hoping to end their disappointing tour with a consolation win.
