Cricket: Depleted Blackcaps stun Pakistan in fourth Twenty20 international to take series lead

The Blackcaps have edged Pakistan by four runs in their fourth Twenty20 international in Lahore on Friday (NZ time).

After being sent into bat, the tourists fought through to a competitive total of 178/7. In response, Pakistan's chase was hindered by the loss of key wickets late to finish at 174/8.

Needing 18 runs off the final over, veteran Jimmy Neesham stepped up to claim a wicket and restrict them to 13, sealing the Blackcaps' victory.

The result means the depleted New Zealand side cannot lose the series, giving them a 2-1 lead with one match remaining, as they continue to defy the odds in the absence of several first-choice players, primarily due to IPL commitments. The opening match was washed out by rain.

The newcomers in the NZ outfit emerged with the most outstanding contributions on the night. Opener Tim Robinson blasted his way to 51 off just 36 balls to top score for the Blackcaps, including a quarter of fours and a pair of sixes, while Dean Foxcroft chimed in with a handy 34 off 26 at first drop.

The best of the bunch was seamer Will O'Rourke, whose 3/27 off four overs included the wicket of dangerman Babr Azam in his first over, earning him player of the match honours.

Quick Ben Sears was also superb with the ball, finishing with 2/27 off his allotted four overs

Captain Michael Bracewell scored 27 (20 balls) and Tom Blundell was effective at the top with a quickfire 28 (15 balls).

The series now remains in Lahore for the final match on Sunday.

New Zealand 178/7 (Robinson 51, Foxcroft 34; Abbas 3/20) Pakistan 174/8 (Fakhar 61; O'Rourke 3/27, Sears 2/27)

The Blackcaps have edged Pakistan by four runs in their fourth Twenty20 international in Lahore on Friday (NZ time).

After being sent into bat, the tourists fought through to a competitive total of 178/7. In response, Pakistan's chase was hindered by the loss of key wickets late to finish at 174/8.

Needing 18 runs off the final over, veteran Jimmy Neesham stepped up to claim a wicket and restrict them to 13, sealing the Blackcaps' victory.

The result means the depleted New Zealand side cannot lose the series, giving them a 2-1 lead with one match remaining, as they continue to defy the odds in the absence of several first-choice players, primarily due to IPL commitments. The opening match was washed out by rain.

The newcomers in the NZ outfit emerged with the most outstanding contributions on the night. Opener Tim Robinson blasted his way to 51 off just 36 balls to top score for the Blackcaps, including a quarter of fours and a pair of sixes, while Dean Foxcroft chimed in with a handy 34 off 26 at first drop.

The best of the bunch was seamer Will O'Rourke, whose 3/27 off four overs included the wicket of dangerman Babr Azam in his first over, earning him player of the match honours.

Quick Ben Sears was also superb with the ball, finishing with 2/27 off his allotted four overs

Captain Michael Bracewell scored 27 (20 balls) and Tom Blundell was effective at the top with a quickfire 28 (15 balls).

The series now remains in Lahore for the final match on Sunday.

New Zealand 178/7 (Robinson 51, Foxcroft 34; Abbas 3/20) Pakistan 174/8 (Fakhar 61; O'Rourke 3/27, Sears 2/27)

Disclaimer: The copyright of this article belongs to the original author. Reposting this article is solely for the purpose of information dissemination and does not constitute any investment advice. If there is any infringement, please contact us immediately. We will make corrections or deletions as necessary. Thank you.