New Zealand V Pakistan, 4th ODI Review: New Zealand Continue Domination Courtesy Breezy Innings from Colin de Grandhomme

New Zealand continued dominant run in the ODI series against Pakistan to take a 4-0 led in the five-match series after winning the 4^th ODI at the Seddon Park in Hamilton by five wickets and with more than four overs to spare.

It was yet again a commanding performance by the Black Caps, and despite a decent batting performance by the Asian Giants, they were never in the game courtesy a brilliant knock from Colin de Grandhomme as he remained unbeaten on 74 of deliveries to take New Zealand over the victory target.

Winning the toss, Sarfaraz Ahmed opted to bat first. Pakistan was wrecked early as Tim Southee removed Faheem Ashraf and Babar Azam in quick succession to reduce them to 11/2. There was a good partnership between Harris Sohail and Fakhar Zaman as the duo shared a useful stand of 86 runs for the 3^rd wicket.

However, the runs didn’t come at a brisk pace which never allowed Pakistan to run away with the game. Both the southpaws fell in quick succession, but Mohammad Hafeez had other plans and started resurrecting the innings. He played some gorgeous shots to get going and shared a brilliant stand of 98 runs with skipper Sarfaraz.

Hafeez was eventually run out on 81 of 80 deliveries which included five fours and four sixes. Pakistan eventually completed their 50 overs with the score at 262/8 with Tim Southee being the most successful bowler finishing with figures of 3/44 in 8 overs.

The Black Caps began briskly with openers Colin Munro and Martin Guptill going great guns. Munro, in particular, found the boundaries on a consistent basis and raced his way to yet another half-century. The partnership was broken by Shadab Khan as Munro failed to read a googly from the leggie. He sent back his partner Guptill in quick succession while Rumman Raees kept up the good work of Shadab and removed Ross Taylor which reduced the hosts to 90/3 from 89/0.

Shabad kept spreading his magic as the leggie bamboozled southpaw Tom Latham. With New Zealand’s score 99/4, Pakistan was in with a serious shot to get their maiden win of the tour. Harris Sohail dismissed skipper Kane Williamson after scoring 34. However, the main drama was yet to unfold.

We are all aware of the batting prowess of Colin de Granhomme and how he can hit the big shots on a consistent basis. On Tuesday Grandhomme proved why he is considered as one of the most dangerous batsmen in the line-up despite having some great players in their ranks. He kept smashing the Pakistan bowlers all around the park and remained unbeaten on 74 of 40 deliveries. His innings included seven fours and five big hits over the fence as New Zealand romped home by four wickets in the end.

Brief Scores

Pakistan 262/8 in 50 overs ( Mohammad Hafeez 81, Fakhar Zaman 54, Tim Southee 3/44)

New Zealand 263/5 in 45.5 overs (Colin de Grandhomme 74*, Colin Munro 56, Shadab Khan 3/42)

New Zealand won by 5 wickets (with 25 balls remaining)

New Zealand leads the 5 match series 4-0.

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