In the rain-shortened 15-over match against New Zealand, Pakistan’s batting woes continued as they managed a respectable score of 135/9. Salman Agha, the skipper, gave it his all, but the visitors failed again, making it easy for New Zealand to chase down the target.
With 2.5 overs remaining, the hosts took a decisive 2-0 lead in the five-match series after winning by five wickets. Fans following the game on platforms like Bpexch were left disappointed by Pakistan’s continued struggles.
The Pacers of New Zealand Take the Lead Right Away
New Zealand’s pace attack took advantage of the active surface in Dunedin by choosing to field first. Hasan Nawaz’s second successive defeat in the series came when he was dismissed for a duck by Jacob Duffy, setting the tone early.
Ben Sears did the same, catching Mohammad Haris (11) at third man and dismissing him. Early in the game, Pakistan’s top order was vulnerable as they struggled to keep up with the pace and bounce produced by the New Zealand bowlers.
The pressure increased when Ish Sodhi struck twice in the seventh over, eliminating Khushdil Shah (2) and Irfan Khan (11) in quick succession. Pakistan needed a partnership to steady their batting at 52/4.
Salman Agha’s Fighting Knock
Salman Agha, the captain, was Pakistan’s only survivor during the collapse. While playing a counterattacking innings, Agha produced a quick 46 off 28 balls, including four fours and three sixes.
The visitors had a glimmer of hope thanks to his aggressive attitude, but the absence of support from the opposite side proved costly. Although Shadab Khan (26 off 14) had a useful cameo, Pakistan’s progress was stopped when Jacob Duffy dismissed him.
James Neesham struck twice in the 13th over to dismiss Abdul Samad and Jahandad Khan, but the middle and lower order could not build on Agha’s efforts.
Shaheen Afridi (22* off 14) helped Pakistan post a passably good score with two boundaries and a six in his final flourish. Nevertheless, a formidable New Zealand batting order would always be too formidable to overcome with 135/9 in 15 overs.
New Zealand’s Explosive Start
With Shaheen Afridi bowling a maiden over to Tim Seifert, New Zealand’s chase started calmly. However, the momentum drastically changed when Finn Allen displayed his blazing batting ability in the following over.
New Zealand started fast when Allen hit three sixes off Mohammad Ali. Seifert joined the fray in the third over, taking on Shaheen Afridi and smashing four sixes, including a vicious blow over deep mid-wicket.
New Zealand essentially put the chase on autopilot by racing to 44/0 before the conclusion of the third over. Despite Pakistan’s efforts to regain the game, Allen and Seifert’s early assault ensured that the necessary run rate was never a worry.
Pakistan’s Brief Fightback
To maintain their hopes, Pakistan was able to take important wickets. Jahandad Khan trapped Allen’s leg before wicket for 38 off 16 deliveries, while Mohammad Ali dismissed Seifert (45 from 22) for his maiden T20I wicket. Mark Chapman’s slow one-off six further lifted Pakistan’s spirits, and the visitors saw an opening when Haris Rauf dismissed James Neesham (5) in the ninth over.
But Shadab Khan’s missed catch off Mitchell Hay at cover proved costly. Later, Shadab made amends by dismissing Daryl Mitchell (14 off 14) with a spectacular diving grab, but the damage was already done. Allen and Seifert’s opening strikes had laid the groundwork for New Zealand’s easy triumph.
New Zealand Seals the Win
Skipper Michael Bracewell (4) and Mitchell Hay (21 off 16) easily led New Zealand home. The hosts won by five wickets after Bracewell hit a boundary off Jahandad Khan in the fourteenth over. In addition to giving New Zealand a 2-0 series lead, the victory demonstrated their supremacy in every aspect of the match.
Key Takeaways from the Match
- Pakistan’s Batting Struggles: Although they have improved since their poor showing in Christchurch, Pakistan’s batting lineup still struggles when pressure builds. The top order’s inconsistent play is still a big worry.
- Salman Agha’s Leadership: Pakistan benefited from Captain Salman Agha’s valiant knock. His aggressive style and capacity to strike back under duress demonstrated his potential as a leader.
- The bowling depth of New Zealand: The hosts’ bowlers, especially Ish Sodhi and Jacob Duffy, made excellent most of the circumstances. Their ability to hit at regular intervals put Pakistan behind throughout the innings.
- Finn Allen’s Explosive Batting: Finn Allen’s scorching efforts at the top of the order set New Zealand’s chase in motion. Their easy triumph was largely due to his ability to take on the bowlers immediately.
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Looking Ahead
As the teams enter the third Twenty20 International, New Zealand is well in control of the series with a 2-0 advantage. However, Pakistan will have to deal with their batting problems and figure out how to stop New Zealand’s strong bowling attack. Visitors must get back together fast if they want to save the series.
Even though Pakistan made some progress, their failure to score a respectable total and hold New Zealand’s potent batting order proved their downfall. The hosts keep proving why they are among the strongest teams in T20 cricket. With New Zealand hoping to end the series early and Pakistan striving to stay in the series, the next games should be an intriguing struggle.
Brief scores: New Zealand 137/5 in 13.1 overs (Tim Seifert 45, Finn Allen 38, Haris Rauf 2-20) defeated Pakistan 135/9 in 15 overs (Salman Agha 46, Shadab Khan 26; Ish Sodhi 2-17, Jacob Duffy 2/20) by five wickets.
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