In the second T20I match at Seddon Park, Hamilton, New Zealand moved closer to clinching the series, securing a 21-run victory over Pakistan on Sunday.
Pakistan faced challenges right from the onset of their 195-run target chase. The team suffered early setbacks, losing openers Mohammad Rizwan and Saim Ayub for 10 runs within the initial overs. However, a strong 87-run partnership between Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman brought Pakistan back into contention. Zaman’s impressive performance, culminating in a half-century off 24 balls, included five sixes and three fours.
The tide turned with Fakhar Zaman’s dismissal by Adam Milne, triggering a collapse that left Pakistan struggling at 125-6 in 14.3 overs. Subsequent players, including Iftikhar Ahmed, Azam Khan, and Aamer Jamal, failed to make significant contributions. Babar Azam, scoring 66 runs off 43 balls, was the top scorer for Pakistan, but his efforts were not enough to secure a win. New Zealand’s Adam Milne was the standout bowler, claiming four wickets, supported by Ben Sears and Ish Sodhi with two wickets each.
New Zealand’s First Innings Performance
The first innings saw New Zealand’s Finn Allen lead with a swift 74 runs off 41 balls, hitting seven
fours and five sixes. Allen’s explosive start positioned New Zealand for a high total, but his departure to Usama Mir’s delivery marked a shift in the game. At Allen’s exit, New Zealand was at a promising 137-2 in 13 overs. However, following his dismissal, the team added only 57 more runs in the remaining overs.
Pakistan’s Bowling Comeback
Pakistan’s bowlers made a commendable comeback later in the match, restricting New Zealand to 194 runs. This effort gave Pakistan a reachable target, which they ultimately could not achieve. Haris Rauf, particularly impressive in the 19th over, emerged as Pakistan’s top wicket-taker. All Pakistani bowlers, except captain Shaheen Afridi, succeeded in taking wickets.
Playing XI Lineups
The match featured the following lineups:
Pakistan: Mohammad Rizwan, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Azam Khan (wk), Aamer Jamal, Usama Mir, Shaheen Afridi (c), Abbas Afridi, Haris Rauf.
New Zealand: Finn Allen, Devon Conway (wk), Kane Williamson (c), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner, Adam Milne, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Ben Sears.
This match sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting conclusion to the series.
