Cricket Highlights, March 18: Pakistan tour of New Zealand (2nd T20I) – NZ vs PAK

NZ vs PAK (2nd T20I) – Highlights

NZ secured a thrilling five-wicket victory over PAK in the second T20I at Dunedin, successfully chasing down the target of 136 runs with 11 balls to spare. The Black Caps showcased their aggressive intent early on, with Tim Seifert and Finn Allen providing a blistering start that put Pakistan’s bowlers on the back foot from the outset.

PAK, batting first in the 15-over contest, posted 135/9 in their allotted overs. Their innings was anchored by Captain Salman Agha, who played a fighting knock of 46 off 28 deliveries, smashing four boundaries and three sixes. However, Pakistan struggled to build substantial partnerships, with wickets falling at regular intervals. Shadab Khan provided late impetus with a quickfire 26 off 14 balls, while Shaheen Shah Afridi contributed an unbeaten 22 off 14 towards the end.

New Zealand’s bowlers kept the pressure on throughout, with Jacob Duffy emerging as the standout performer. The right-arm pacer picked up two wickets for just 20 runs in his three overs, including the crucial scalp of Shadab Khan. Ben Sears also played a key role with the ball, taking 2/23 in his spell. James Neesham and Ish Sodhi chipped in with two wickets each, ensuring Pakistan never gained full momentum.

Chasing 136, NZ came out all guns blazing, with Seifert leading the charge. His blistering 45 off 22 deliveries, featuring five towering sixes and three fours, set the tone for the chase. Finn Allen was equally destructive, smashing 38 off just 16 balls with five sixes and a four. The duo’s aggressive approach took the game away from Pakistan within the powerplay, racing to 66 in just 4.4 overs.

Pakistan managed to pull things back slightly with a few quick wickets, as Haris Rauf and Khushdil Shah picked up crucial breakthroughs. Mark Chapman struggled at the crease, scoring just one run off six balls before falling to Khushdil. Rauf dismissed Daryl Mitchell and James Neesham in quick succession, giving Pakistan a glimmer of hope. However, Mitchell Hay and Captain Michael Bracewell ensured there were no further hiccups, steering New Zealand to victory with a composed finish.

Haris Rauf was Pakistan’s most effective bowler, finishing with 2/20 in his three overs. Khushdil Shah was also economical, conceding just 16 runs and picking up a wicket in his three-over spell. However, Mohammad Ali and Jahandad Khan proved expensive, leaking runs at over 17 and 19 runs per over, respectively, which cost Pakistan dearly.

New Zealand vs Pakistan Scoreboard

Pakistan – 135/9 (15)

New Zealand – 137/5 (13.1/15)

Result – New Zealand won by 5 wickets (with 11 balls remaining)

Player of the Match – Tim Seifert

NZ vs PAK Playing XI

New Zealand

Michael Bracewell (c), Finn Allen, Tim Seifert, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Mitchell Hay (wk), Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy, Ben Sears, Zakary Foulkes.

Pakistan

Salman Agha (c), Mohammad Haris (wk), Hasan Nawaz, Irfan Khan, Khushdil Shah, Shadab Khan, Abdul Samad, Jahandad Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Ali.

Disclaimer: These match highlights reflect the author’s insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the points discussed and form their own conclusions.

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