Dunedin: In-form New Zealand comfortably chased down a 136-run target to defeat Pakistan by 5 wickets in the second T20I at University Oval. The rain-affected match was reduced to 15 overs per side, with the Black Caps securing victory with 11 balls remaining, taking a 2-0 lead in the ongoing five-match series.
Explosive Start by Finn Allen and Tim Seifert
Pakistan’s Shaheen Afridi began with a maiden over, but Finn Allen responded with three sixes in the second over, followed by Tim Seifert smashing four sixes off Shaheen in the third. Their aggressive batting put Pakistan under pressure, ensuring New Zealand remained in control despite losing a few wickets later.
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Pakistan’s Struggle After Rain Delay
Pakistan, after being sent to bat first, managed 135 runs. They struggled early as Hasan Nawaz was dismissed for a duck in the first over, followed by Mohammad Haris’ quick departure, leaving Pakistan at 19-2.
Skipper Salman Ali Agha played a fiery innings of 46 off 28 balls, hitting four fours and three sixes, but lacked support from the middle order. Irfan Khan (11) and Khushdil Shah (2) failed to contribute significantly. Shadab Khan added 26 off 14 balls, but Pakistan lost crucial wickets at the death. Shaheen Afridi provided late fireworks, scoring 21 off 13 balls.
New Zealand’s First T20I Victory
Earlier in the series opener at Hagley Oval, Christchurch, New Zealand outclassed Pakistan by 9 wickets. Pakistan was bowled out for 91 runs in 18.4 overs, with Khushdil Shah top-scoring with 32 off 30 balls. Jacob Duffy (4 wickets) and Kyle Jamieson (3 wickets) led New Zealand’s attack.
In reply, New Zealand chased the target in 11 overs, with Tim Seifert (44), Finn Allen (29), and Tim Robinson (18)** guiding the team to a dominant victory.
