Dunedin, March 18, 2025: New Zealand powered to a five-wicket victory over Pakistan in the second T20I, taking a 2-0 lead in the five-match series. The home side chased down Pakistan’s 135-9 in a rain-shortened 15-over match, reaching 137-5 with 11 balls to spare at the University Oval.
New Zealand’s chase was set up by a blistering opening partnership between Tim Seifert and Finn Allen, who unleashed a six-hitting assault early on. Despite playing out a maiden over against Shaheen Shah Afridi, Seifert quickly made amends, hammering 26 runs off Afridi’s second over, including four sixes. Allen, meanwhile, launched three consecutive sixes off Mohammad Ali’s second over, setting the tone for New Zealand’s aggressive approach.
Seifert top-scored with 45 off 22 balls, while Allen struck 38 off 16 deliveries, with both batters smashing five sixes each. However, a mid-innings collapse saw New Zealand lose four wickets in as many overs, giving Pakistan a brief glimmer of hope. But Mitch Hay’s unbeaten 21 ensured a comfortable victory for the hosts.
Earlier, Pakistan, put in to bat, struggled to build momentum, losing opener Hasan Nawaz for a duck for the second consecutive match. Captain Salman Agha led the recovery with a fighting 46 off 28 balls, hitting four fours and three sixes. Shadab Khan contributed a brisk 26 off 14, while Shaheen Afridi remained unbeaten on 22 off 14.
New Zealand’s bowlers delivered a disciplined performance, with Ben Sears and Jimmy Neesham, both recalled for this match, taking two wickets each alongside two-wicket hauls from other bowlers.
With this win, New Zealand are one victory away from sealing the series. The third T20I will take place in Auckland on Friday, where Pakistan must win to stay alive in the contest.
