After a disappointing bowling display which saw the hosts amass 224/7, a fighting knock by Babar Azam (58) proved to be in vain as the remaining batters were not able to stand up to the challenge of the chase.

By PakPassion Staff (6th January 2024)

On January 17, 2024, in Dunedin, New Zealand triumphed in the third T20I match against Pakistan at the University Oval, winning by 45 runs and thus securing a decisive 3-0 lead in their five-match series. Electing to bat first, New Zealand amassed a formidable 224-7, primarily driven by Finn Allen's outstanding century. In their chase, Pakistan managed to score only 179-7 over their 20 overs.

After Pakistan won the toss and chose to field, New Zealand's opener Devon Conway was quickly dismissed for 7 runs. However, Finn Allen and Tim Seifert quickly steadied the ship, putting together a robust 125-run partnership for the second wicket. Seifert scored 31 off 23 balls before Mohammad Wasim Jnr claimed his wicket.

Allen's innings was the highlight, as he smashed 137 runs off just 62 balls, which included five fours and a record-breaking 16 sixes. He was eventually dismissed in the 18th over, marking his second T20I century. Allen also earned the player of the match title. Alongside, Glenn Phillips chipped in with 19 runs, taking New Zealand's total past 200. The Pakistan bowling line-up struggled, with each bowler conceding over eight runs per over.

Pakistan's batting effort began with an early setback, losing Saim Ayub in the powerplay. A 39-run partnership between Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan brought some hope, but it was short-lived as Mitchell Santner dismissed Rizwan. Babar was the top scorer with 58 runs before falling to Ish Sodhi. Contributions from Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Nawaz were not enough to chase the target.

New Zealand's bowling was spearheaded by Tim Southee, who took two wickets for 29 runs in his quota of four overs, effectively limiting Pakistan to 179-7.