Mitchell and Phillips, the Black Caps duo, scored unbeaten half-centuries in a 139-run partnership. This helped the home side reach 159-3 in the 19th over, responding to Pakistan’s 158-5. Initially, New Zealand faced trouble as Pakistan’s captain Shaheen Shah Afridi dismissed their top order, leaving them at 3-20 in the third over.
Mitchell scored 72 off 44 balls, while Phillips made 70 off 52 balls. They accelerated in the closing stages, securing victory with 11 balls to spare. New Zealand has the chance to wrap up the series 5-0 in the final match on Sunday at Hagley Oval.
Pakistan struggled as their opening batter, Mohammad Rizwan, crafted an unbeaten 90 off 63 balls. However, the team faltered due to a lack of support. Rizwan managed to keep the score ticking against New Zealand’s disciplined attack, led by Matt Henry (2-22) and Lockie Ferguson (2-27). Despite Rizwan’s efforts, Pakistan fell short, with only Mohammad Nawaz surpassing 20 runs.
Babar Azam, who had scored half-centuries in the first three games, fell for 19. Afridi’s impressive bowling performance kept Pakistan in the contest, but Mitchell and Phillips gradually swung the momentum in New Zealand’s favor. Pakistan missed a crucial chance when Sahibzada Farhan dropped a straightforward catch offered by Mitchell in the 14th over, potentially costing them the chance of victory.
