The Impressive TimesNew Delhi : New Zealand continued their impressive run in the five-match T20I series against Pakistan, securing a convincing five-wicket victory in the second game at the University Oval in Dunedin. With this win, the Black Caps now lead the series 2-0. The match, which was initially delayed due to a wet outfield, was reduced to 15 overs per side.
After being put in to bat first, Pakistan’s batting woes continued as they suffered an early collapse. Opener Hasan Nawaz registered his second consecutive duck, falling in the very first over. Mohammad Haris followed him soon after, leaving Pakistan in deep trouble at 16/2 within the first three overs.
Middle-order batsman Irfan Khan attempted to stabilize the innings with some attacking strokes, but Ish Sodhi’s double strike in the same over saw Irfan and Khushdil Shah depart cheaply. Captain Salman Ali Agha fought back bravely, playing some exquisite shots to keep Pakistan in the hunt. He looked set for a well-deserved fifty but fell agonizingly short at 46.
Shadab Khan added a quick 26 off 12 balls before perishing in the quest for quick runs. The lower order faltered against disciplined New Zealand bowling, with Jimmy Neesham dismissing both Jahandad Khan and Abdul Samad in a single over. However, Shaheen Afridi provided some late fireworks, smashing 22 off just 9 balls to push Pakistan to a total of 135/9 in their allotted 15 overs.
Defending a modest total, Pakistan needed early breakthroughs, and Shaheen Afridi delivered right away with a rare maiden over to apply pressure on the Kiwi batters. However, that pressure was short-lived as Finn Allen and Tim Seifert counter-attacked with a flurry of boundaries.
Seifert played aggressively, smashing boundaries at will before falling just short of his fifty off a Mohammad Ali delivery. His dismissal brought a momentary breakthrough for Pakistan, but Allen continued his onslaught, keeping the required run rate in check. However, against the run of play, Jahandad Khan dismissed Allen, briefly swinging the momentum back in Pakistan’s favor.
The Men in Green capitalized on the opening, picking up quick wickets as Mark Chapman and Jimmy Neesham departed in succession. Shadab Khan, who had earlier dropped a simple catch, made amends with a stunning grab to dismiss Daryl Mitchell.
Despite Pakistan’s late fightback, Michael Bracewell ensured there were no further hiccups, finishing the chase with a boundary in the 14th over. New Zealand reached 139/5 in 13.1 overs, sealing the game with nine balls to spare.
New Zealand extended their lead in the series to 2-0, putting Pakistan under immense pressure ahead of the third T20I.
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