Tim Seifert’s explosive unbeaten 97 off 38 balls powered New Zealand to a dominant eight-wicket victory over Pakistan in the final T20I in Wellington, clinching the series 4-1.
Chasing 129, Seifert set the tone with 18 runs off the first over despite being hit on the body. He smashed six fours and 10 sixes, including 25 runs in the sixth over. Finn Allen contributed a quick 27 off 12 before falling at 93-1 in the seventh over. Mark Chapman departed for three, but Seifert and Daryl Mitchell (2*) guided New Zealand to 131-2 in just 9.4 overs.
Pakistan struggled to 128-9 after opting to bat. Reduced to 52-5, captain Salman Agha (51 off 39) and Shadab Khan (28 off 20) stitched a 54-run stand. Jimmy Neesham was the standout bowler, taking 5-22, his maiden T20I five-wicket haul. Jacob Duffy (2-18) inflicted early damage, dismissing Hasan Nawaz and Omair Yousuf.
Pakistan made five changes for the match, while New Zealand brought in Ben Sears for Zak Foulkes.
Pakistan captain Salman Agha admitted New Zealand dominated but remained optimistic about his young squad gaining experience.
The teams will now face off in a three-match ODI series starting Saturday in Napier.