NEW DELHI: Tim Robinson 's explosive batting and William O'Rourke 's outstanding bowling helped New Zealand secure a series lead with a four-run victory over Pakistan in the fourth T20I at the Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday.
The thrilling match kept spectators captivated as New Zealand took an unassailable lead in the series at the picturesque Gaddafi Stadium.
The inexperienced fast bowler made an early impact, dismissing Pakistan captain Babar Azam in the second over. Saim Ayub showed promise at the other end, but O'Rourke managed to dismiss him.
With Pakistan at 79/4 in the 10th over, Fakhar Zaman raised hopes of a win by aggressively tackling the opposing bowlers to keep the required run rate within reach.
Fakhar was supported by Iftikhar Ahmed (23) and Imad Wasim (22*), but Ben Sears turned the game around by dismissing Fakhar in the 18th over.
Needing 28 runs in the last two overs, Imad nearly clinched the win for Pakistan with aggressive hitting. However, needing 10 runs from the final two deliveries, he only managed to score a four on the penultimate ball, falling short as New Zealand secured a four-run win.
Earlier in the match, Pakistan captain Babar Azam opted to bowl first after winning the toss.
New Zealand's openers Tim Robinson and Tom Blundell began the innings strongly, reaching 50 runs in the fifth over.
Blundell was dismissed for 28 in the same over, having hit five fours in his innings. Dean Foxcroft then joined Robinson, adding 38 runs before Robinson's impressive 51 off 36 balls came to an end in the 11th over.
Foxcroft and Mark Chapman added a brief partnership before Chapman was dismissed for 8 in the 14th over.
Foxcroft followed soon after, scoring 34 runs off 26 balls, including three sixes.
Kiwi captain Michael Bracewell and Jimmy Neesham combined for 37 runs before Bracewell was dismissed for 169 in the 19th over.
Josh Clarkson was dismissed on the first ball he faced, and New Zealand finished their innings at 178/7 after 20 overs.
Pakistan's standout bowler was Abbass Afridi, who took three wickets in three overs for just 20 runs. Mohammad Amir, Zaman Khan, Usama Mir, and Iftikhar Ahmed each took one wicket in their respective spells.
New Zealand now lead the series 2-1, with the final T20I scheduled for Saturday.
The thrilling match kept spectators captivated as New Zealand took an unassailable lead in the series at the picturesque Gaddafi Stadium.
The inexperienced fast bowler made an early impact, dismissing Pakistan captain Babar Azam in the second over. Saim Ayub showed promise at the other end, but O'Rourke managed to dismiss him.
With Pakistan at 79/4 in the 10th over, Fakhar Zaman raised hopes of a win by aggressively tackling the opposing bowlers to keep the required run rate within reach.
Fakhar was supported by Iftikhar Ahmed (23) and Imad Wasim (22*), but Ben Sears turned the game around by dismissing Fakhar in the 18th over.
Needing 28 runs in the last two overs, Imad nearly clinched the win for Pakistan with aggressive hitting. However, needing 10 runs from the final two deliveries, he only managed to score a four on the penultimate ball, falling short as New Zealand secured a four-run win.
Earlier in the match, Pakistan captain Babar Azam opted to bowl first after winning the toss.
New Zealand's openers Tim Robinson and Tom Blundell began the innings strongly, reaching 50 runs in the fifth over.
Blundell was dismissed for 28 in the same over, having hit five fours in his innings. Dean Foxcroft then joined Robinson, adding 38 runs before Robinson's impressive 51 off 36 balls came to an end in the 11th over.
Foxcroft and Mark Chapman added a brief partnership before Chapman was dismissed for 8 in the 14th over.
Foxcroft followed soon after, scoring 34 runs off 26 balls, including three sixes.
Kiwi captain Michael Bracewell and Jimmy Neesham combined for 37 runs before Bracewell was dismissed for 169 in the 19th over.
Josh Clarkson was dismissed on the first ball he faced, and New Zealand finished their innings at 178/7 after 20 overs.
Pakistan's standout bowler was Abbass Afridi, who took three wickets in three overs for just 20 runs. Mohammad Amir, Zaman Khan, Usama Mir, and Iftikhar Ahmed each took one wicket in their respective spells.
New Zealand now lead the series 2-1, with the final T20I scheduled for Saturday.
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