NEW DELHI: New Zealand outperformed Pakistan in a thrilling rain-curtailed second T20I at Dunedin to secure a five-wicket victory and take a commanding 2-0 lead in the five-match series. The match, reduced to 15 overs per side, witnessed electrifying performances from both teams.
Pakistan, batting first, struggled against New Zealandโs disciplined bowling attack. Skipper Salman Agha led from the front with a resilient 46 off 28 balls, supported by Shadab Khanโs 26 and Shaheen Afridiโs quick 22. Despite their efforts, Pakistan managed a modest total of 135/9.
New Zealandโs chase was spearheaded by openers Tim Seifert and Finn Allen. Seifert smashed a blistering 45 off 22 balls, while Allen contributed a fiery 38 off 16. Their explosive 66-run partnership in just 28 balls set the tone for the chase, which was completed in 13 overs.
New Zealandโs bowlers, led by Jacob Duffy, Ben Sears, and Ish Sodhi, dismantled Pakistanโs batting lineup early on. Each of them claimed two wickets, applying relentless pressure. For Pakistan, Haris Rauf stood out with figures of 2/20, while Khushdil Shah bowled economically, conceding just 16 runs in his 3 overs.
Pakistanโs inability to capitalize on their batting powerplay and frequent loss of wickets were key reasons for their defeat. The middle-order collapse left them with a below-par total. On the other hand, New Zealandโs bowlers executed their plans perfectly, and their openers ensured a swift chase.
The absence of experienced players like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan was evident in Pakistanโs batting lineup. The younger players struggled to adapt to the conditions and the pressure of facing a well-rounded New Zealand bowling attack. Moreover, Pakistanโs fielding lapses, including dropped catches, added to their woes, allowing New Zealand to maintain their momentum.
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New Zealandโs strategy of attacking Pakistanโs top order with pace and spin paid off handsomely. The Kiwis also showcased their depth in batting, with players like Finn Allen and Tim Seifert stepping up in crucial moments. The teamโs ability to rotate the strike and find boundaries consistently kept the required run rate in check.
As the series moves to Auckland for the third T20I, Pakistan will need to regroup and address its shortcomings to stay alive in the contest. To challenge the in-form New Zealand side, they must focus on building partnerships, improving their fielding, and more effectively utilizing their bowling resources.
