Usama Mir catches out Mitchell Santner during the 5th T20 cricket match, at Hagley Oval, Christchurch Photo: Photosport
The Black Caps have missed the chance to secure a series whitewash against Pakistan after slipping to a 42-run defeat at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.
Pakistan set a target of 135 for New Zealand in their innings.
However, after initially appearing to be on track to beat that, the Black Caps lost several wickets in quick succession to finish on 92 from 17 overs.
Pakistan's 134/8 is the lowest 20-over total any team successfully defended in men's T20s in New Zealand. The previous lowest was 156/6 by Australia in 2021.
It's also only the second time that New Zealand has been bowled for less than 100 in men's T20s on home turf.
The previous time that occurred was in 2010 when they were bowled out for 80, also against Pakistan in Christchurch.
Iftikhar Ahmed was awarded the player of the match honour after taking 3-24.
"I read the wicket and bowled accordingly, wicket was turning so I tried to bowl wicket by wicket," he said.
"Yes it was decided that I will bowl today, Shaheen [Shah Afridi] told me before the game and I was preparing for it. If the captain wants, I am available to bowl as I have done before."
Mohammad Nawaz and Usama Mir both took two wickets apiece.
New Zealand win the series four games to one.
Will Young of the Black Caps during the 5th T20 cricket match. Photo: Photosport
