New Zealand secured a comfortable 5-wicket victory over Pakistan in the second match of the ongoing T20I series at Dunedin’s University Oval on Tuesday. The hosts chased down Pakistan’s modest target of 136 with ease, taking a 2-0 series lead.
Pakistan, playing under captain Salman Agha, posted a total of 135-9 in 15 overs due to rain interruptions. Agha top-scored for the Green Shirts, contributing a quick-fire 46 runs off 28 balls, including four boundaries and three sixes.
The match started with a setback for Pakistan, as opener Hasan Nawaz was dismissed without scoring, continuing his struggle in the series. Pakistan was at a precarious 19-2 by the fourth over, but Agha’s aggressive innings steadied the ship. Shadab Khan added 26 runs off 14 balls, providing crucial support in the middle order, while Shaheen Shah Afridi finished unbeaten on 22 runs from 14 balls.
New Zealand’s bowlers, including Ben Sears and all-rounder Jimmy Neesham, played key roles in Pakistan’s downfall. Both bowlers claimed two wickets each, as did two other New Zealand bowlers. Sears and Neesham replaced Tim Robinson and Kyle Jamieson in the squad for this match.
Pakistan made one change in their lineup, bringing in fast bowler Haris Rauf to replace leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed.
The match, originally scheduled to start earlier, was delayed by 90 minutes due to rain at University Oval, but New Zealand’s performance in both bowling and batting ensured their dominance throughout the encounter.
