IPL 2025: Tim Seifert, James Neesham Help New Zealand Thrash Pakistan In 5th T20I

New Zealand capped off a dominant T20I series against Pakistan with a resounding 8-wicket victory in the fifth and final match at Sky Stadium, Wellington, on March 26, 2025. Opting to bowl first, the Black Caps displayed a stellar all-round performance, restricting Pakistan to a below-par 128/9 before chasing it down in just 10 overs, courtesy of a stunning knock by *Tim Seifert (97 off 38 balls)**.

With this victory, New Zealand sealed the series 4-1, showcasing their superiority across all departments. As Pakistan struggled to put up a fight throughout the tour, the hosts continued to dominate, setting the stage for an exciting ODI series starting on March 28 at McLean Park.

Pakistan’s Batting Struggles Yet Again

Pakistan’s batting lineup faltered once more, unable to put up a competitive total in the face of relentless Kiwi bowling. The problems started early when Mohammad Haris (11 off 17) and Hasan Nawaz (0 off 3) departed cheaply, setting the tone for a sluggish start.

The middle order also failed to provide any resistance. Omair Yousuf (7 off 11) and Usman Khan (7 off 7) fell early, leaving Pakistan in deep trouble. The only silver lining was Agha Salman (51 off 39, 6 fours, 1 six), who played a valiant knock, standing firm despite wickets falling at the other end.

Experienced all-rounder Shadab Khan (28 off 20, 5 fours) contributed some much-needed runs in the middle overs, but his dismissal exposed the tail, which collapsed without resistance. Abdul Samad (4 off 9), Jahandad Khan (1 off 2), Haris Rauf (6 off 10), Sufiyan Muqeem (0 off 2), and Mohammad Ali (0 off 0) were dismissed cheaply as Pakistan limped to 128/9 in 20 overs.

New Zealand’s Bowlers Shine

New Zealand’s bowlers delivered a clinical performance, led by James Neesham, who registered his best T20I figures (5/22 in 4 overs). His spell dismantled Pakistan’s middle and lower order, preventing any late flourish.

Supporting him was Jacob Duffy (2/18 in 4 overs), who bowled with precision, and Ish Sodhi (1/32 in 4 overs), whose experience helped contain Pakistan’s scoring rate. Ben Sears (1/25 in 4 overs) also chipped in, ensuring that the visitors never gained momentum.

The only bowler to go wicketless was William O’Rourke, but he maintained tight control, conceding just 29 runs in 4 overs.

Tim Seifert’s Fireworks Dismantle Pakistan

Chasing 129, New Zealand’s openers wasted no time in putting the game to bed. Tim Seifert was the chief destroyer, playing a breathtaking knock of 97 off 38 balls*, which included 6 fours and 10 sixes. He tore into the Pakistani attack, racing towards what could have been a record-breaking century had he faced a few more deliveries.

Alongside him, Finn Allen (27 off 12, 5 fours, 1 six) provided a blistering start, ensuring that the run chase was a mere formality.

Though Mark Chapman (3 off 7) and Daryl Mitchell (2 off 4) had brief stays at the crease, the damage was already done. New Zealand cruised to 131/2 in just 10 overs, humiliating Pakistan with an emphatic finish.

Pakistan’s Bowling Woes

Pakistan’s bowlers had no answer to New Zealand’s attacking approach. Jahandad Khan (0/43 in 2 overs) and Mohammad Ali (0/27 in 2 overs) were expensive, while Haris Rauf (0/22 in 2 overs) also struggled to find any breakthroughs.

The only bowler who showed promise was Sufiyan Muqeem (2/6 in 2 overs), who managed to take both wickets. However, his efforts were in vain as the rest of the attack was dismantled by Seifert’s fireworks.

Series Recap: New Zealand Dominate 4-1

New Zealand’s dominant 4-1 series win showcased their superiority over Pakistan. Apart from the third T20I, where Pakistan pulled off a 9-wicket victory, the Black Caps were in complete control throughout the series.

Results of the Five Matches:

1st T20I: New Zealand won by 9 wickets
2nd T20I: New Zealand won by 5 wickets
3rd T20I: Pakistan won by 9 wickets
4th T20I: New Zealand won by 115 runs
5th T20I: New Zealand won by 8 wickets

With James Neesham named Player of the Match for his 5-wicket haul and Tim Seifert awarded Player of the Series, the Kiwis wrapped up an impressive performance.

Key Takeaways from the Series

1. New Zealand’s Depth and Balance

New Zealand’s squad showcased incredible depth, with both their batters and bowlers contributing throughout the series. The likes of Finn Allen, Tim Seifert, and Daryl Mitchell provided explosive starts, while the bowling unit, spearheaded by Neesham, Duffy, and Sodhi, dismantled Pakistan’s lineup with ease.

2. Pakistan’s Batting Unit Struggled

Pakistan’s biggest concern was their batting inconsistency. Apart from their sole victory in the third T20I, where they chased down 179 with ease, their batters failed to step up when it mattered. Agha Salman was the only consistent performer, but he lacked support from others.

The failure of Mohammad Haris, Omair Yousuf, and Usman Khan raised serious questions about Pakistan’s batting depth heading into the ODI series.

3. New Zealand’s Aggressive Approach

Unlike Pakistan, New Zealand played fearless and aggressive cricket, particularly in the run chases. Tim Seifert’s blazing knock in the final T20I was a testament to their attacking mindset.

4. Pakistan’s Bowling Weaknesses

Pakistan’s bowlers, including Haris Rauf and Shadab Khan, failed to provide breakthroughs when needed. The inexperience of the attack, particularly in the powerplay, allowed New Zealand to dominate.

Sufiyan Muqeem was the only bright spot, but he lacked support from the rest of the bowlers.

What’s Next? ODI Series on the Horizon

With the T20I series concluded, both teams will now shift their focus to the ODI series, which kicks off on March 28 at McLean Park. Pakistan will be eager to bounce back and put up a stronger fight, while New Zealand will look to continue their dominance.

The ODI series will be a crucial opportunity for Pakistan to regroup and address their batting issues, while New Zealand will aim to further assert their supremacy on home soil.

New Zealand’s 4-1 series win over Pakistan was a statement of intent as they continue to build towards upcoming ICC events. With Tim Seifert’s heroics, James Neesham’s all-round brilliance, and Finn Allen’s aggressive stroke play, the Black Caps demonstrated their strength across all aspects of the game.

Pakistan, on the other hand, will need to regroup and reassess their strategy. Their batting collapses, ineffective bowling, and lack of adaptability were key reasons for their downfall in the series. With the ODI series around the corner, they have a chance to make amends.

As the cricketing world now turns its attention to the Pakistan vs New Zealand ODI series, fans can expect another thrilling contest. Will Pakistan fight back, or will New Zealand continue their dominance? The answer awaits in Napier on March 28.

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