New Zealand leveled the series with a convincing six-wicket victory over England in the fourth T20I at Trent Bridge. They successfully chased down a target of 176 runs. The Kiwis took control of the game by scoring 73 runs in the Powerplay, led by Tim Seifert's outstanding 48 runs in his 50th T20I appearance. Glenn Phillips and Mark Chapman also made valuable contributions to maintain their team's dominance.
England had a strong start with Jonny Bairstow smashing 73 runs off 41 balls, including six sixes. However, their innings lost momentum after Bairstow's dismissal, as New Zealand's spinners applied pressure during the middle overs. England's final total of 175 for 8 seemed insufficient for a venue known for its short boundaries.
England had a strong start with Jonny Bairstow smashing 73 runs off 41 balls, including six sixes. However, their innings lost momentum after Bairstow's dismissal, as New Zealand's spinners applied pressure during the middle overs. England's final total of 175 for 8 seemed insufficient for a venue known for its short boundaries.
Nonetheless, this victory was crucial for New Zealand as it allowed them to recover from a shaky start to the series and share the T20I trophy. The focus now shifts to the upcoming first ODI in Cardiff, marking the more relevant part of their tour. Despite the match's low-key nature, New Zealand's clinical performance under the Nottingham floodlights was an important step in their preparations.
Finn Allen played his natural attacking game, hitting three boundaries from his first four balls before losing his wicket when attempting to slog Luke Wood across the line. His brief cameo of 16 runs off just six balls ensured that New Zealand maintained a scoring rate ahead of the required pace throughout their chase.
Tim Seifert, who was promoted to open the innings, displayed his power-hitting prowess. He stood deep in the crease, lofting England's fast bowlers down the ground, even with the mid-off fielder inside the circle. Seifert hammered Adil Rashid for two fours and a six in the fifth over. Despite Daryl Mitchell being run out shortly after the Powerplay while taking on Wood in the deep, New Zealand remained firmly in control.
Rehan Ahmed, making his international debut in his hometown, bowled economically, claiming two wickets for 27 runs. He dismissed Seifert with a caught-and-bowled and had Phillips caught in the deep. However, Phillips had earlier showcased his aggressive batting by hitting boundaries off Moeen Ali, Rashid, and Brydon Carse, amassing 42 runs from 25 balls.
With the required run rate dropping to just one run per ball, Phillips eventually departed, and Mark Chapman calmly finished the job, ending with an unbeaten 40 runs off 25 deliveries. Rachin Ravindra sealed the victory with a boundary through the infield, and England's disappointing performance was evident when Wood misfielded at cover.