New Zealand vs Pakistan stormed to a 2-0 lead in the five-match T20I series against Pakistan with a dominant performance in a rain-shortened encounter at the University Oval in Dunedin. The match was reduced to 15 overs per side due to a damp outfield, but it didn’t stop the hosts from delivering a commanding performance, both with the bat and the ball.
New Zealand vs Pakistan Struggle with the Bat
Winning the toss and electing to bat first, Pakistan failed to capitalize on the opportunity, struggling to build momentum. Regular wickets at crucial junctures prevented them from posting a competitive total. Skipper Agha Salman played a fighting knock of 46 off 26 balls but lacked support from other batters. Shadab Khan’s brief cameo of 26 off 14 balls helped Pakistan reach a below-par 135/9 in 15 overs.
New Zealand’s bowlers were exceptional, led by Kyle Jamieson (3/8) and Jacob Duffy (4/14), who made run-scoring difficult for Pakistan. Ish Sodhi (2/27) and Zakary Foulkes (1/11) kept things tight in the middle overs, ensuring Pakistan never got out of the shackles.
Allen & Seifert’s Power-Hitting Masterclass
Chasing 136 in 15 overs, New Zealand openers Finn Allen and Tim Seifert attacked the Pakistani bowling attack hard. The duo hit boundaries at will, putting the target out of Pakistan’s reach in the powerplay. Allen smashed three sixes in quick succession, while Seifert took Shaheen Afridi apart, hitting four consecutive sixes in one over. Their opening stand 66 in just 4.4 overs left Pakistan with little hope.
Although Pakistan managed to pick up a couple of wickets in the middle overs, the damage was already done. New Zealand comfortably chased down the target with 11 balls to spare, finishing at 136/3.
Pakistan’s High-Risk Approach Failing?
Pakistan’s aggressive, high-risk approach to T20 cricket hasn’t worked so far in this series. In the first T20I, they were bowled out for just 91, their lowest-ever T20I total in New Zealand. The same trend continued in the second match as well, where they lost wickets at regular intervals and struggled to put up a big score. Pakistan again faltered after losing openers Mohammad Haris and Hasan Nawaz early.
Agha Salman admitted after the game that Pakistan needed to rethink their approach. “We were not up to the mark, but we need to regather and come back stronger. The new ball does a bit in New Zealand, and we have good bowlers who can make an impact,” he said in the post-match presentation.
What’s Next?
With New Zealand leading the series 2-0, Pakistan now needs a win in the third T20I to stay in the contest. Their batsmen need to step up and post a solid score, while the bowlers need to find a way to contain New Zealand’s aggressive top order. If Pakistan doesn’t adapt quickly, New Zealand could seal the series in the very next match.
Key Stats:
- Finn Allen & Tim Seifert’s opening stand: 66 runs in 4.4 overs
- New Zealand’s powerplay score: 66/1
- Jacob Duffy’s bowling figures: 4/14 in 3.4 overs
- Pakistan’s last five T20I matches in New Zealand: All losses
Can Pakistan turn things around, or will New Zealand continue its dominance? The third T20I will be crucial for both teams as the series progresses.
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