New Zealand won the fourth Twenty20 international against Pakistan by four runs in Lahore on Thursday as the visitors made sure that the 179 runs target was above par.
The hosts failed to capitalise on Fakhar Zaman’s half-century. He was the leading run-scorer of the team.
Opener Tim Robinson hit a maiden half-century before Pakistan kept New Zealand down to 178-7 with a three-wicket haul by pace bowler Abbas Afridi.
Robinson’s 36-ball 51 with two sixes and four fours lifted New Zealand — who were sent into bat — to 93-1 in 10 overs before Abbas’s career-best 3-20 brought Pakistan back into the match at Gaddafi Stadium.
New Zealand started briskly with Robinson and Tom Blundell, who made 28 off 15, putting on 56 for the opening stand in five overs.
But from 94-1, New Zealand lost three wickets, including that of dangerman Mark Chapman for eight, as Pakistan’s fielders held catches to back some good bowling by Abbas.
Dean Foxcroft chipped in with 34 off 26 deliveries and skipper Michael Bracewell added 27 to keep the scoreboard ticking as New Zealand managed 43 in the last five overs.
Both teams are preparing for the T20 World Cup to be held in the United States and West Indies in June this year.
Pakistan skipper Babar Azam won the toss and opted to bowl against New Zealand in the fourth Twenty20 international in Lahore on Thursday.
Pakistan were forced to make five changes as wicketkeeper batter Mohammad Rizwan and Muhammad Irfan Khan were injured, making room for Fakhar Zaman and Imad Wasim.
The hosts also rested Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah and Abrar Ahmed to give Mohammad Amir, Usama Mir and Zaman Khan chances.
New Zealand also made three changes with Josh Clarkson, Ben Sears and Tom Blundell coming in for Tim Seifert, Zak Foulkes and Cole McConchie.
The five-match series is tied at 1-1 after Pakistan won the second match by seven wickets while New Zealand took the third by the same margin – both in Rawalpindi.
The first match, also in Rawalpindi, was washed out after just two balls.
The final match is also in Lahore on April 27.
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Pakistan: Babar Azam (captain), Usman Khan, Usama Mir, Iftikhar Ahmed, Fakhar Zaman, Abbas Afridi, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Zaman Khan, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim
New Zealand: Michael Bracewell (captain), Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Josh Clarkson, Ben Sears, Tom Blundell, Dean Foxcroft, Jimmy Neesham, Tim Robinson, Will O’Rourke, Ish Sodhi
