New Zealand crush Pakistan by 5 wickets taking 2-0 lead in T20I series
Salman Ali Agha was the top scorer with 46 runs off 28 balls, including four fours and three sixes.
New Zealand has taken a commanding 2-0 lead in the five-match T20I series against Pakistan after securing a five-wicket victory in the second match at the University Oval in Dunedin on Tuesday.
The match was reduced to 15 overs per side due to rain.
Match Summary:
Pakistan’s Innings:
Pakistan batted first and managed to score 135-9 in their allotted 15 overs.
Captain Salman Ali Agha was the top scorer with 46 runs off 28 balls, including four fours and three sixes.
Shadab Khan contributed 26 runs off 14 balls, and Shaheen Shah Afridi remained not out on 22 runs off 14 deliveries.
New Zealand’s bowlers, Ben Sears, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy, and James Neesham, each took two wickets.
New Zealand’s Innings:
New Zealand’s openers, Tim Seifert and Finn Allen, put on a blistering display, hitting seven sixes in the first eight scoring shots.
Seifert scored 45 runs off 22 balls, and Allen contributed 38 runs off 16 balls, both hitting five sixes each.
Despite losing four wickets in quick succession, New Zealand reached the target of 135 with 11 balls to spare, finishing at 137-5.
Mitch Hay’s unbeaten 21 ensured a secure victory for the hosts.
Key Performances:
Tim Seifert: Top-scored for New Zealand with 45 runs, including five sixes, and was named the Player of the Match.
Finn Allen: Contributed 38 runs with five sixes, playing a crucial role in the opening partnership.
Salman Ali Agha: Led Pakistan’s recovery with 46 runs off 28 balls.
New Zealand can secure the series with a win in the third match scheduled for March 21 at Eden Park in Auckland.
