New Zealand secured a commanding five-wicket victory over Pakistan in a rain-affected second T20I at the University Oval on Tuesday, taking a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.
Chasing a target of 136 runs, the Black Caps got off to a blistering start, with openers Tim Seifert and Finn Allen putting on a 66-run partnership.
Seifert was particularly aggressive, finding boundaries all around the ground before falling for a quickfire 45 off 22 deliveries. His innings came to an end when Mohammad Ali claimed his maiden T20I wicket.
Finn Allen continued the onslaught, adding 21 runs with Mark Chapman for the second wicket. However, his entertaining knock of 38 from just 16 balls was cut short by Jahandad Khan, leaving New Zealand at 87-2 in 6.5 overs.
Mark Chapman couldn’t make an impact, departing for just one run after being dismissed by Khushdil Shah. Haris Rauf then struck, removing Jimmy Neesham for 14, as New Zealand lost their fourth wicket with 97 runs on the board in 8.3 overs.
Daryl Mitchell and Mitchell Hay built a 35-run partnership for the fifth wicket, bringing their team within touching distance of victory. However, Haris Rauf dismissed Daryl for 14, leaving New Zealand at 132-5 in 12.5 overs.
Skipper Michael Bracewell hit the winning runs alongside Mitchell Hay, who remained unbeaten on 21, sealing the win with 11 balls to spare.
For Pakistan, Haris Rauf claimed two wickets, while Mohammad Ali, Khushdil Shah and Jahandad Khan took one wicket each.
After being asked to bat first, Pakistan posted a total of 135 runs, thanks to crucial contributions from skipper Agha Salman, vice-captain Shadab Khan, and Shaheen Afridi.
The innings started on a poor note as Hasan Nawaz fell for a second consecutive duck, dismissed by Jacob Duffy in the first over.
Pakistan’s troubles deepened when Ben Sears removed Mohammad Haris for 11, leaving the visitors at 19-2 in 3.1 overs.
Agha Salman and young Irfan Khan attempted to rebuild with a 31-run partnership, easing the early pressure.
However, Ish Sodhi struck in the seventh over, dismissing Irfan (11) and Khushdil Shah (2), reducing Pakistan to 52-4. Despite the setbacks, Agha played aggressively, scoring 46 off 28 balls.
Shadab Khan provided brief support with 24 runs before falling to Sears. Salman’s dismissal further dented Pakistan’s hopes, and Shadab, after accelerating the score, was removed for 26 off 14 by Duffy.
Jahandad Khan fell for a duck, while Abdul Samad’s 11-run cameo was cut short by Jimmy Neesham. Shaheen Afridi’s late contribution of 22 runs helped Pakistan reach 135.
For New Zealand, Duffy, Sears, Sodhi, and Neesham each claimed two wickets.
Pakistan playing XI: Mohammad Haris (w), Hasan Nawaz, Salman Agha (c), Irfan Khan, Shadab Khan, Abdul Samad, Khushdil Shah, Jahandad Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Ali.
New Zealand playing XI: Tim Seifert, Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Mitchell Hay (w), Michael Bracewell (c), Zakary Foulkes, Jacob Duffy, Ish Sodhi, Ben Sears.
