NZ vs PAK Highlights 5th T20I: Tim Seifert Misses Ton But New Zealand Rout Pakistan 4-1

Right then, that will be it from the T20Is where New Zealand takes the series by a 4-1 margin. We hope you enjoyed the coverage. The action now shifts to the three-match ODI series. The first game will be played on March 28th at McLean Park in Napier. That game will start at 10.00 pm GMT. But as you know, you can always join early for all the build-up. Until then, take care, and cheers!

Michael Bracewell, the skipper of New Zealand, is thrilled with his team's performance, particularly the bowling unit, which has been outstanding throughout the series. Michael Bracewell reckons that the team has rotated players and given squad members a chance to shine, all while securing a series win is a big positive for them. He's also impressed with how the team bounced back after their defeat in the third game, showing great resilience and determination.

Salman Agha, Pakistan's skipper, graciously conceded that New Zealand outplayed them, giving credit to the Kiwis for their impressive performance. Despite the loss, Agha highlighted the positives, noting that players like Hasan Nawaz and Mohammad Haris showed promising batting skills in the game they won, while Sufiyan Muqeem impressed in this contest. Agha also expressed optimism about the upcoming ODI series, emphasizing that the ODI team is more experienced and a different entity altogether. He's hopeful that this difference will translate to a better outcome for Pakistan in the ODI series.

Tim Seifert, the Player of the Series, shares his thoughts. He says that his approach was to play aggressively, and he's thrilled that it paid off. Tim acknowledged that he got a bit lucky early on, with a few shots flying off the bat, setting the tone for his innings. Looking ahead, Tim mentioned that he's looking forward to taking a well-deserved break, spending quality time with his family for a couple of weeks, before returning to cricket duties.

James Neesham, the Player of the Match, shares his thoughts. He credits the top-order bowlers for making his job easier, allowing him to capitalize on the pressure they built. James emphasized his focus on performing well whenever given the opportunity, and he's eager to continue doing so. He also praised the Kiwi's batting unit, who have been in superb form throughout the series, making for an entertaining watch

Stay tuned for the presentation...

Earlier in the game, Pakistan scored 128 in 20 overs, driven by Skipper Salman's half-century. Shadab also contributed significantly, but the rest of Pakistan's batting lineup struggled. New Zealand's bowling attack was led by James Neesham, who took five wickets. Jacob Duffy claimed two, while Ben Sears and Ish Sodhi took one wicket each.

Chasing a modest total, New Zealand got off to a flying start, scoring 92 runs in the Powerplay. Tim Seifert, in scintillating form throughout the series, led the charge with an aggressive 97. Finn Allen provided solid support as well. Pakistan's bowlers struggled to contain the Kiwis' onslaught, with Sufiyan Muqeem being the only bright spot, claiming two wickets and bowling economically. With the pitch favorable for the batters, the total of 128 posted by Pakistan never looked to trouble the home side and they have breezed past this in the blink of an eye.

The Kiwis secured a convincing victory over Pakistan, winning by 8 wickets and 10 overs to spare. This win has ended the 5-match T20I series in favor of New Zealand, with a dominant 4-1 scoreline.

SIX! TIM SEIFERT FINISHES IT IN FINE FASHION! Floated full, outside off. Tim Seifert gets low and smokes it over the wide long-off fence for another maximum to get the job done. He ends with an unbeaten 97 off just 38 balls. New Zealand win by 8 wickets with 10 overs to spare and take the series 4-1.

SIX MORE! INCREDIBLE STRIKING! Floated up outside off. Tim Seifert clears the front leg and slog sweeps high over wide long-on for a third maximum in the over.

DROPPED AND SIX! Shadab Khan bowls it slower through the air, and much wide outside off. Tim Seifert reaches for it and lofts it toward the long-off region. Haris Rauf fails to judge it and the ball bursts through his hands and palms it over the ropes for a maximum.

Floated full, around off. Daryl Mitchell heaves it off the inner half through mid-wicket region for a single.

Quicker length ball, outside off. Tim Seifert flat-bats this toward long-off for just a single.

SIX! LAUNCHED! Tossed up full, on off. Tim Seifert gets low and powers it flat over the cow corner fence for a biggie. He is a hurry to finish this.

Flatter length ball, on off. Daryl Mitchell gets behind the line and defends from the crease.

Tossed up on the middle and leg. Daryl Mitchell nudges into the leg side where the bowler runs across and stops it himself.

Flatter googly, around off. Dabbed to short third for one.

Tossed up on the middle and leg. Daryl Mitchell eases it past the bowler and down to long-on for one.

Daryl Mitchell walks in at number 4.