In an electrifying display of skill and dominance, New Zealand’s powerful powerplay performances with both ball and bat effortlessly routed Pakistan in the second T20I held in Dunedin, securing a 2-0 lead in the thrilling five-match series.
Jacob Duffy, Ben Sears, and Ish Sodhi launched a formidable assault early on, crippling Pakistan’s batting lineup and restricting them to a mere 135 in the intense 15-overs-a-side contest. Openers Tim Seifert, with a rapid 45 off 22 balls, and Finn Allen, smashing 38 off just 16 deliveries, decisively sealed the chase, racing to 66 in merely 28 balls.
In a thrilling display, Pakistan captain Salman Agha dazzled the spectators with a resilient performance, top-scoring with a brisk 46 runs off just 28 balls. His innings came to a halt when Mark Chapman claimed a sharp catch from the sharp bowling of Ben Sears. Shadab Khan, showing flair and aggression, added a quick-fire 26 from 14 deliveries.
Shaheen Shah Afridi was one of the rare few Pakistan batsmen to surpass the 20-run mark, ensuring a valiant end with an unbeaten 22 from 14 balls. As the visiting team concluded their innings at 135-9 in a match shortened to 15 overs each side, hopes remained somewhat alive.
New Zealand, entering the chase with determination, quickly took the reins. Tim Seifert and Finn Allen entered with blazing intent, amassing a rapid 66 within just five overs before Shaheen dismissed Seifert for a brisk 45.
Jahandad Khan then trapped Allen lbw for a solid 38, but at 87-2 seven overs in, New Zealand maintained a stronghold on the game.
Haris Rauf sparked some hope for Pakistan, removing both Daryl Mitchell and Jimmy Neesham for meager scores. Nonetheless, Mitch Hay’s composed 21 from 16 sealed the deal for New Zealand, ending the match with 11 deliveries still in the bag.
With this performance, New Zealand stands at the brink of a series triumph, heading into the third T20 of the five-match contest scheduled in Auckland on Friday.