New Zealand continued their impressive T20 form by defeating Pakistan by five wickets at Dunedin, taking a commanding 2-0 lead in the five-match series. The victory came after Pakistan struggled to post runs, managing only 135 runs from their allotted 15 overs.
After winning the toss and opting to bowl, New Zealand's bowlers quickly dismantled the Pakistani batting lineup. By the end of the seventh over, Pakistan found themselves struggling at 52 for 4. Ish Sodhi played a pivotal role, taking two early wickets, with his first scalp being Hasan Nawaz, who was caught at backward point. Ben Sears also added to Pakistan's woes by dismissing Mohammad Haris for just 11 runs.
Pakistan captain Salman Agha was the standout performer for his side, scoring 46 off 28 deliveries before he was caught by Mark Chapman off the bowling of Sears. His innings included four boundaries and two sixes, providing a much-needed counter-attack at the crease. Shadab Khan supported him with 26 runs from only 14 balls, but the Pakistani innings came to life too late, as their middle and lower order struggled to build upon the foundation laid by Agha.
With three wickets down, the Pakistani batsmen faced pressure but managed to reach 135 for 9 by the end of their innings thanks to some late hitting from Shaheen Shah Afridi, who chipped in with an unbeaten 22 off 14 deliveries.
Looking to chase down the total, New Zealand's opening pair of Tim Seifert and Finn Allen set the tone right from the start. Their explosive batting saw them add 66 runs within the first five overs, showcasing strong aggression against the Pakistani bowlers. Tim Seifert was particularly notable, smashing 45 runs off just 22 balls, adorned with four sixes before falling to Shaheen Afridi.
Finn Allen supported him well with his innings of 38 from 16 balls, contributing significantly to New Zealand’s chase. After Seifert's dismissal, Jahandad Khan dismissed Allen lbw for 38, but New Zealand still sat comfortably at 87 for 2 during the seventh over, well on course for the win.
Though Haris Rauf struck back for Pakistan by dismissing Daryl Mitchell and James Neesham cheaply, Mitch Hay provided the finishing touches with 21 runs off 16 balls, leading to victory with 11 balls to spare. New Zealand completed their innings with 137 runs for 5, comfortably surpassing Pakistan’s total.
Post-match, New Zealand stand-in captain Michael Bracewell praised his bowlers and the batting performance. "The guys bowling ... used the surface well. We were pretty happy with the score at half-time," said Bracewell, highlighting the positive impact of their bowling strategy.
Meanwhile, Tim Seifert, awarded Player of the Match for his explosive batting, reflected on the partnership he shared with Allen. He said, "After the first over [maiden], thought it was a tricky chase, but then Finn and I combined well. Being back with the boys and playing for the nation is great." Seifert demonstrated his prowess again after previously breaking records against Pakistan earlier this year.
On the other side, Pakistan captain Agha acknowledged the challenges his team faced in the powerplay period. "It was a ... game than last game - lot of positives - but few things more to do," he commented. He emphasized the need for improvement, stating they needed to finish their batting innings stronger and become more consistent with their bowling during the powerplay.
With the next T20 match scheduled for Auckland on Friday, March 21, 2025, the pressure now rests on Pakistan, as they find themselves one defeat away from losing the series. The upcoming match will be pivotal for the visitors as they look to bounce back from two consecutive losses.
