4th T20I between Pakistan and New Zealand: Jimmy Neesham’s clinical last over helps New Zealand secure an exciting victory

Defending six off the last ball to secure a four-run win for New Zealand against Pakistan in the fourth Twenty20 international on Thursday in Lahore, veteran all-rounder Jimmy Neesham maintained his composure.

Despite being hammered for a boundary off the first delivery, Neesham came out in brilliant form, giving the crowded Gaddafi Stadium audience heartbreak. Pakistan needed 18 off the last over in their pursuit of 179.

Tim Robinson, the opener, scored his first half century in 20 overs, leading New Zealand to 178-7. William O’Rourke, the pacer, then grabbed 3-27 to hold Pakistan to 174-8.

After the last game on Saturday, also in Lahore, returning all-rounder Imad Wasim (22 not out) smashed the final ball for a single, giving New Zealand an unassailable 2-1 lead in the five-match series.

All three matches took place at Rawalpindi. Pakistan won the first by the same margin but lost the second by seven wickets. The first match was called off after only two deliveries.

A fully-formed Pakistani team is taken aback by the losses as they gear up for the Twenty20 World Cup, which takes place in the United States and the West Indies in June.

With so many players absent from the Indian Premier League, injuries, and general unavailability, New Zealand may be happy with their bench strength heading into the World Cup.

Pakistan felt they had a chance when Fakhar Zaman, scoring 61 runs off 45 balls with three sixes and four boundaries, helped the team overcome 79-4 with a fifth-wicket partnership of 59 runs with Iftikhar Ahmed scoring 23 off 20 balls.

However, in only his fourth Twenty20 International, O’Rourke got rid of Ahmed in addition to taking five wickets from Babar Azam and twenty from Saim Ayub, giving New Zealand a lift.

Zaman’s wicket was taken by fellow bowler Ben Sears (2-27) with 33 required from 14 balls.

Robinson batted with aggressiveness earlier.

After being brought in to bat, New Zealand reached 93-1 in 10 overs because to Robinson’s 36-ball 51 that included two sixes and four fours. However, Abbas Afridi’s career-best 3-20 assisted Pakistan in rallying.

With Robinson making 28 off 15 and Tom Blundell making 56 for the first partnership in five overs, New Zealand got off to a quick start.

However, Pakistan’s fielders kept catches to support some excellent bowling by Abbas, and from 94-1 New Zealand lost three wickets, including that of dangerman Mark Chapman for eight.

New Zealand managed 43 in the last five overs, but Dean Foxcroft chipped in with 34 from 26 deliveries and captain Michael Bracewell contributed 27 to keep the scoreboard moving.

Due to injuries to Muhammad Irfan Khan, the wicketkeeper-battler, and Shaheen Shah Afridi, Pakistan was forced to make five changes, resting Abrar Ahmed, Naseem Shah, and Shaheen Shah Afridi.