New Zealand skipper Michael Bracewell hailed his bowlers after a dominant eight-wicket win in the fifth T20I at Wellington sealed a 4-1 series victory over Pakistan.
The whole bowling unit has been outstanding. We played on very friendly wickets for the seamers. Jakob stood out which has been great. The way we have been able to rotate players, everyone stood up. Obviously missing a few guys but it's great to be winning a series. (Happy with) consistency; the way we bounced back from Auckland and we have been pretty clinical in other games.
Asked to bat first at the Sky Stadium, Pakistan’s batting crumbled to a sub-par 128/9. Medium pacer James Neesham led the Black Caps' charge with a five-wicket haul, claiming 5-22, while Jacob Duffy bagged 2-18.
Pakistan captain Salman Agha acknowledged the difficulties faced by his young team but tried to look at the positives.
Agha’s fighting half-century (51 off 39 balls) was one of the few bright spots for Pakistan in the series.
I did alright but it doesn't matter when you lose the series. It's going to be a good series (ODI). It will be a different ball game and it's a completely different team.
In reply, Tim Seifert’s blistering 97 not out off 38 balls ensured New Zealand chased down the target in just 10 overs. Seifert’s commanding knock earned him the Player of the Series award.
After a niggle in the hip, I thought there is only one way to play. The wickets were very bouncy, to be able to adapt...makes me very proud. It's just that you are backing yourself, and your skills. Finn is a great mate; it's great fun out there with him. Couple of weeks with the family and then off to PSL.
With the T20I series wrapped up, Pakistan will turn their focus to the upcoming three-match ODI series before returning home for the Pakistan Super League.
