New Zealand vs Pakistan 4th ODI: 5 Talking Points

New Zealand continued their dominance with a five-wicket win over Pakistan in fourth ODI in Hamilton. Having taken a 4-0 lead in the five-match series, the Kiwis will be aiming at a whitewash as they face-off in the final ODI in Wellington. While there were some nervy moments for the hosts, Henry Nicholls and Colin de Grandhomme partnered to put together a match-winning stand that guided their team towards the victory.

Pakistan batting once again looked in trouble at the start, despite openers Fakhar Zaman and Haris Sohail smashing half-centuries at the top. But then the visitors lost some wickets which halted their progress. Veteran batsman Mohammad Hafeez and skipper Sarfraz Ahmed led their team to eventualy post a fighting total of 262 runs on the board. The Kiwi openers began steadily before they were dismissed by leg-spinner Shadab Khan who was supported by the other bowlers rather well. However, it was the brilliance of Nicholls and Grandhomme that eventually led the Kiwis to an impressive victory.

Here are the five talking points from the fourth ODI match between New Zealand and Pakistan:

1. Fakhar Zaman and Haris Sohail smash half-centuries

The visitors dropped opener Azhar Ali and brought in all-rounder Haris Sohail while all-rounder Faheem Ashraf  was handed a promotion in the batting order. However, the plot failed worked as Pakistan were reduced to 11-2 within the first five overs. Fakhar along with the all-rounder Haris held on the innings with a 86-run partnership for the third wicket. Both the left-handers got to their respective half centuries to provide some resistance to their batting order.

2. Kane Williamson comes handy with the ball

As Fakhar and Sohail were nurturing the innings along whilst trying to keep the opposition bowlers at bay. However, the Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson decided to try his hand with the ball in an attempt to pick up wickets and slow things down. He picked up the massive wickets that of Sohail and Shoaib Malik and thew a wrench into the Pakistani batting wheel. It was a handy spell from the captain as he gave away just 32 runs in his ten overs, which increased the pressure on the Pakistani team.

3. Hafeez and Sarfraz strike a sparkling finish

The visitors were left reeling in the same position at 130-5 in 33 overs, as it has been in the previous three games of the series. However, veteran batsmen Mohammad Hafeez and skipper Sarfraz Ahmed came to rescue and lifted their team from the troublesome situation. The duo built their innings early while counter-attacking the New Zealand bowlers with some boundaries and big strikes to keep the runs flowing thus notching up their respective half-centuries. .

4. Shadab Khan picked up three early wickets

In reply to Pakistan’s 262-8 after batting first, the Kiwi openers Colin Munro and Martin Guptil began their innings on an aggressive note as they added 88 runs in the first 14 overs. Shadab Khan however, put a hold on the Kiwi juggernaut and put a hold on things by dismissing both openers. The leg-spinner bowled an economical spell and also picked up three crucial top order wickets. At one point, it seemed as though Pakistan were en route to victory as Ross Taylor, Tom Latham and Kane Williamson also found themselves back in the hut.

5. Nicholls and Grandhomme’s match-winning stand leads NZ to victory

Following the departure of skipper Williamson, all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme joined  Henry Nicholls on the other end with the hosts needing 109 runs in the remaining 15 overs to win the match. The big-hitting all-rounder played an attacking yet stylish knock of 74 runs off just 40 balls which included 5 sixes. His partner Nicholls did not throw away his wicket with an impressive half-century to his name. The duo added the remaining runs thereby securing a big win for the hosts with 25 balls to spare in the match.

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