The Black Caps ended their T20 series against Pakistan with a powerful win, taking the series 4-1.
They beat Pakistan by eight wickets in Wellington on Friday, finishing the match in just ten overs.
Jimmy Neesham led the bowling with five wickets, helping to hold Pakistan to 128 runs. Then, Tim Seifert stole the show with an unbeaten 97 runs off only 38 balls, hitting ten sixes and six fours.
New Zealand won the toss and chose to bowl first. Jacob Duffy helped early by taking two wickets, while Neesham finished off Pakistan’s chances with strong bowling at the end. Pakistan’s top scorers were Salman Agha with 51 runs and Shadab Khan with 28.
In reply, Seifert batted aggressively from the start, making it hard for Pakistan to catch up. Finn Allen supported him with 27 runs.
“It was good fun,” Seifert said. He explained that the bouncy pitch helped him play big shots and that playing in T20 leagues around the world had given him confidence.
This was Seifert’s first series back after a year away from the team, and he impressed with scores of 44, 45, 19, 44, and finally 97.
The teams will now face off again in a three-match One Day International series, starting Saturday in Napier.