Pakistan suffers historic T20I defeat as New Zealand thrashes them by 115 run

Pakistan endured a humiliating 115-run defeat against New Zealand in the fourth T20I at Mount Maunganui, marking their biggest-ever loss in T20I history in terms of runs. The visitors, chasing a mammoth 221-run target, failed to put up any resistance, getting bowled out for just 105 runs in 16.2 overs. With this victory, New Zealand sealed an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match series, despite the absence of key players who had left for the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Pakistan’s batting order completely collapsed, with nine out of eleven batters failing to reach double figures. The only two players who showed some fight were *Abdul Samad (44) and Irfan Khan (24)**, while the rest struggled against a dominant Kiwi bowling attack. Jacob Duffy led the charge with a four-wicket haul, while Zakary Foulkes scalped three, ensuring Pakistan’s dismal outing with the bat.

This defeat broke Pakistan’s previous record for their worst loss in T20I cricket, which was also against New Zealand in Wellington back in 2016. It also became New Zealand’s second-biggest T20I win by runs, narrowly missing their 119-run victory over the West Indies in 2018 at the same venue. The loss adds to Pakistan’s growing concerns over their batting vulnerabilities in pressure situations.

Even in the series opener, Pakistan suffered their worst-ever T20I defeat in terms of balls remaining. They were bowled out for 91, allowing New Zealand to chase the target with 59 balls to spare, another unwanted record for the team. The latest loss has further fueled criticism over Pakistan’s inconsistent performances in the shortest format of the game.

At one stage in Sunday’s match, Pakistan was at 56-8, on the verge of recording their lowest-ever T20I total of 74, which came against Australia in 2012. However, a late effort from Abdul Samad ensured they avoided further embarrassment by pushing the score past 91, their previous lowest against New Zealand.

Earlier in the match, Finn Allen provided a blistering start for the hosts, reaching his half-century in just 20 balls. His 59-run opening stand with Tim Seifert (44 off 22 balls) set the foundation for New Zealand’s big total. Captain Michael Bracewell finished the innings in style, scoring an unbeaten 46 off 26 balls, ensuring New Zealand breached the 200-run mark for the third time in the series.