In an intense match, Pakistani bowler Shaheen Afridi's 4-30 led his team to a nine-run win over New Zealand in the fifth and final Twenty20. The match was decided in the final over, with New Zealand's potential hero Josh Clarkson left stranded after his last two partners ran themselves out. The win levels the series for Pakistan, who can attribute their success in part to Afridi's impressive bowling performance.
In a thrilling display of batting prowess, Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips steered New Zealand to a seven-wicket win over Pakistan in the fourth Twenty20 international. The pair's unbeaten half-century partnership of 139 runs put the home team on the verge of a series clean sweep. Despite a shaky start with Pakistan's captain Shaheen Shah Afridi taking early wickets, Mitchell and Phillips stayed focused and accelerated towards victory with an impressive display of big-hitting.
In a major setback for New Zealand, opener Devon Conway has tested positive for COVID-19 just hours before the fourth T20I match against Pakistan. The team has added Canterbury Kings batter Chad Bowes as a replacement for Conway, who has been in isolation at the team's hotel since yesterday. Additionally, bowling coach Andre Adams has also tested positive for the virus and will be replaced by Canterbury Men's Development Coach Brendon Donkers for today's match.
After a series of losses in international cricket and a change in captaincy, Pakistan's struggles continue with a 45-run defeat against New Zealand. Fans took to social media to express their disappointment, with some calling it a "black day" for Pakistan cricket and criticizing the performances of players like Haris Rauf. There are also reports of tension between players and the policies of Zaka Ashraf and Mohammad Hafeez adding to the team's struggles.
Finn Allen sets new record for highest score by a New Zealander in T20 international and ties world record for most sixes in an inning during New Zealand's 45-run win over Pakistan. His explosive batting helped New Zealand seal the series 3-0 with two matches left to play. Haris Rauf, Mohammad Nawaz, and Shaheen Afridi all had rough outings as they struggled to contain Allen's onslaught.
New Zealand's captain, Kane Williamson, and Daryl Mitchell displayed a remarkable performance in the first T20I match against Pakistan, leading their team to a 46 run victory. Williamson scored 57 runs while Mitchell smashed 61 runs, aided by four boundaries and four maximums. Pakistan's Babar Azam tried to match the Kiwi's scoring with his knock of 57, but was unable to lift his team to victory. With the first win under their belt, New Zealand is looking to continue their success in the upcoming match on January 14th.