New Zealand have clinched the three-match T20 series against Pakistan 2-1, after a terrific all-round performance in the third T20 at Westpac stadium in Wellington. Pakistan were outplayed in all departments of the game by the Black Caps, who went on to win the match by 95 runs.
Pakistan, who were set a huge target of 197 runs in their allotted twenty overs, suffered the worst possible start, losing three wickets for just 15 runs within the first three overs. With three wickets down for Pakistan, the onus fell on the hands of the experienced Shoaib Malik, who, could only score 14 runs. Pakistan were in dire straits, with 36 runs for the loss of four wickets in the fifth over.
Sarfaraz Ahmed was the only Pakistan batsmen to show a bit of character and class, scoring 41 runs from 36 balls. Only Malik and Ahmed got to double digit scores, with the rest of the batsmen failing to come up with the goods. Pakistan were eventually dismissed for just 101 runs in 16.1 overs, resulting in back-to-back losses.
Adam Milne was the pick of the bowlers for the Black Caps, picking up three big wickets, while all-rounder Grant Elliott also finished with impressive bowling figures of 2-0-7-3.
Earlier in the day, Martin Guptill, who has been in splendid batting form, gave a wonderful start to the Black Caps with an electrifying 19-ball 42, which included two sixes and six fours. Though Pakistan dismissed another key batsman Colin Munro for just four runs, Corey Anderson displayed his magic with the willow as he thrashed the Pakistan bowlers all round the park.
The left-hander scored an impressive 42-ball 82, which helped New Zealand set the mammoth total of 196 runs. Anderson was well supported by his captain Kane Williamson, who scored a 34-ball 33.
All the Pakistan bowlers were taken to the cleaners by the Kiwis, whose batting performance proved to be enough in the end.
