Phillips, Mitchell shine as Kiwis defeat Pakistan by 7 wickets in fourth T20I

• New Zealand beat Pakistan by 7 wickets in the 4th T20I in Christchurch.
• Glenn Phillips and Daryl Mitchell starred in a 139-run partnership.
• Mohammad Rizwan top-scored for Pakistan with an unbeaten 90.

New Zealand defeated Pakistan by seven wickets in the fourth Twenty20 International on Friday in Christchurch, with fifties from Glenn Phillips and Daryl Mitchell.

In the third over of the run-chase, New Zealand was down to 20-3, but Phillips and Mitchell put up a match-winning partnership of 139 runs in 93 balls, putting their side ahead with 11 balls remaining.

Phillips scored 70 in 52 balls, while Mitchell scored 72 in 44 balls.

In New Zealand’s inning, Shaheen Afridi, the skipper of Pakistan, grabbed all three wickets.

In the fourth Twenty20 International of the series, Pakistan set a target of 159 runs for New Zealand after Mohammad Rizwan hit an undefeated 90 runs.

With six fours and two sixes, Rizwan amassed 90 runs in 63 balls.

In the last over of the innings, Mohammad Nawaz struck three straight sixes off bowler Adam Milne en route to his quick-fire 21 runs in nine balls.

In the first wicket partnership with Rizwan, Babar Azam scored 19 runs in 11 balls and 51 runs in 31 balls.

For the home team, Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson each took two wickets.

We take a 4-0 series lead in Ōtautahi – Christchurch 🏏

A New Zealand T20I record 4th-wicket partnership (139) between Glenn Phillips (70*) and Daryl Mitchell (72*) leading the team to victory. Catch up on all scores | https://t.co/o9Xq34Wc2h 📲#NZvPAK #CricketNation pic.twitter.com/Zc7MEkou1h

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In the fourth T20I match, New Zealand chose to bowl first after winning the toss against Pakistan.

Sahibzada Farhan took Azam Khan’s place in the starting lineup, marking Pakistan’s lone change.

After testing positive for Covid-19 hours before the game, Devon Conway, the opener for New Zealand, was declared out.

“Conway has been in isolation at the team’s Christchurch hotel after testing positive yesterday,” New Zealand Cricket (NZC) said in a statement.

“He will continue to be monitored ahead of Sunday’s final match against Pakistan.”

Chad Bowes, a batter with the Canterbury Kings, will be added to the team to relieve Conway.

NZC also reported that bowling coach Andre Adams tested positive for Covid.

The similar excuse kept spinner Mitch Santner out of the opening game of the series, where he was leading New Zealand in place of normal captain Kane Williamson, who was injured.

Will Young took Conway’s position, and Adam Milne in for his 50th Twenty20 international for Ish Sodhi.

Finn Allen hit the greatest score by a New Zealand batsman in a Twenty20 International, 137 off 62 balls, to help his side defeat Pakistan 45 runs to win the series on Wednesday in Dunedin.

In preparation for the June 20-overs World Cup this year, this is Pakistan’s maiden series under new T20 captain Shaheen Afridi.

In the first Twenty20 International, New Zealand won by 46 runs, and in the second, by 21 runs.

On Sunday, there will also be the season finale in Christchurch.