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Allen, Seifert Power New Zealand to a Comfortable Win Over Pakistan in Rain-Affected Clash
New Zealand Secure 2-0 Lead in T20I Series with Five-Wicket Victory
Pakistan displayed a better batting performance in Dunedin than in the series opener, but their total of 135/9 in a rain-shortened 15-over-a-side second T20I was insufficient to challenge New Zealand. The Black Caps chased down the target effortlessly, securing a five-wicket win with 2.5 overs to spare and taking a commanding 2-0 lead in the five-match series.
New Zealand’s Bowlers Dominate Pakistan’s Batting Lineup
Early Strikes Put Pakistan on the Backfoot
After being asked to bat first, Pakistan’s innings got off to a shaky start as New Zealand’s fast bowlers capitalized on the lively surface. Jacob Duffy dismissed Hasan Nawaz for a second consecutive duck, while Ben Sears sent Mohammad Haris (11) back to the pavilion, caught at third man. The visitors struggled against pace and bounce, reminiscent of their previous collapse.
However, the real damage came in the seventh over when leg-spinner Ish Sodhi struck twice, dismissing Irfan Khan (11) and Khushdil Shah (2), leaving Pakistan struggling at 52/4.
Salman Agha’s Fighting Knock Provides Stability
Skipper Salman Agha played a lone hand, scoring a valiant 46 off 28 balls, including four boundaries and three sixes. He found some support from Shadab Khan (26 off 14), who provided a late flourish. However, regular wickets at the other end derailed Pakistan’s momentum.
James Neesham’s double strike in the 13th over, removing Jahandad Khan and Abdul Samad, ensured New Zealand’s dominance. A late cameo from Shaheen Afridi (22* off 14) pushed Pakistan to 135/9—an improvement from their previous game but still a below-par total.
Read: New Zealand’s Cricket News
Finn Allen and Tim Seifert Lead New Zealand’s Chase
Explosive Start Leaves Pakistan Struggling
New Zealand’s chase began with an eventful maiden over from Shaheen Afridi to Tim Seifert. However, Finn Allen (38 off 16) changed the momentum in the second over, smashing three sixes off Mohammad Ali. The next over saw Seifert (45 off 22) dismantle Shaheen, hitting four sixes, including a massive strike over deep mid-wicket.
By the third over, New Zealand had surged to 44/0, placing the chase firmly in their control.
Pakistan’s Fightback Proves Insufficient
Despite the early carnage, Pakistan managed to claw their way back with timely wickets. Mohammad Ali claimed his first T20I wicket by dismissing Seifert, while Jahandad Khan trapped Allen lbw. Mark Chapman (1 off 6) fell cheaply, and when Haris Rauf removed James Neesham (5), Pakistan sensed a chance to turn the game.
However, Shadab Khan’s dropped catch of Mitchell Hay proved costly, though he made amends with a diving catch to dismiss Daryl Mitchell (14 off 14). But the early onslaught ensured New Zealand never faced scoreboard pressure. Mitchell Hay (21 off 16) and captain Michael Bracewell (4*) guided the hosts home, sealing the win with a boundary in the 14th over.
Read More on ESPN’s Match Report
Match Summary
Pakistan: 135/9 in 15 overs (Salman Agha 46, Shadab Khan 26; Ish Sodhi 2-17, Jacob Duffy 2-20)
New Zealand: 137/5 in 13.1 overs (Tim Seifert 45, Finn Allen 38; Haris Rauf 2-20)
New Zealand won by 5 wickets.
Key Takeaways from the Match
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Finn Allen and Tim Seifert’s aggressive start ensured an easy chase for New Zealand.
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Pakistan’s batting showed improvement, but the inability to build partnerships cost them.
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New Zealand’s bowlers continued their dominance, with Ish Sodhi and Jacob Duffy standing out.
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Shaheen Afridi’s all-round effort was a rare positive for Pakistan.
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New Zealand now leads the series 2-0, putting Pakistan under pressure to make a comeback.
