Mount Maunganui, March 23, 2025 – Pakistan endured a nightmarish outing in the fourth T20I against New Zealand, collapsing to a mere 105 runs in 16.2 overs—one of their darkest moments in T20I cricket history. The total marks the 10th lowest in the format and Pakistan’s second-worst, only behind their 74 against Australia in 2012. The Black Caps, powered by fiery batting and disciplined bowling, sealed a commanding 115-run victory, leaving Pakistan reeling in the five-match series.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, New Zealand set a daunting 220-6 in their 20 overs. Opener Tim Seifert blazed his way to 44 runs off 29 balls, setting a blistering pace. Captain Michael Bracewell anchored the middle order with a well-crafted 46, while late fireworks from Glenn Phillips (38*) ensured the hosts crossed the 200-mark. Pakistan’s bowlers struggled to contain the onslaught, though Haris Rauf (3-38) and Abrar Ahmed (2-41) provided some resistance. Abbas Afridi chipped in with a solitary wicket, but the damage was done.
Pakistan’s chase began with promise but unraveled swiftly. Opener Mohammad Haris fell for a paltry 2, triggering a top-order meltdown. Khushdil Shah (6), Hassan Nawaz (1), captain Agha Salman (1), Shadab Khan (1), and Abbas Afridi (1) followed in quick succession, leaving the scoreboard in tatters at 38-6. Amid the wreckage, Abdul Samad stood tall, crafting a defiant 44 off 32 balls with three fours and two sixes. His lone resistance offered a glimmer of hope, but the task proved insurmountable as New Zealand’s bowlers tightened the noose. Matt Henry and Ish Sodhi dismantled the lower order, wrapping up Pakistan’s innings in under 17 overs.
This marks the second time Pakistan have been bowled out for 105 in T20I history, the first being against New Zealand in 2018 at Sky Stadium. The defeat has sparked concerns over Pakistan’s batting frailties, with critics pointing to a lack of adaptability on bouncy tracks. As the teams head into the fifth and final T20I on March 26, Pakistan will look to salvage pride before transitioning to the ODI leg. For now, New Zealand hold the upper hand, their dominance at Mount Maunganui a stark reminder of the gap between the two sides on the day.
