New Zealand’s explosive openers, Finn Allen and Tim Seifert, dismantled Pakistan’s bowling attack, leading the hosts to a commanding five-wicket victory in Dunedin.
The Kiwis chased down Pakistan’s 135-9 in a rain-shortened 15-over contest, reaching 137-5 with 11 balls to spare. Their dominant win gives them a 2-0 lead in the five-match T20 series.
New Zealand's Tim Seifert struck five sixes in his 22-ball 45 in the second T20 against Pakistan in Dunedin, New Zealand, on March 18, 2025 [Sanka Vidanagama/AFP]
Allen & Seifert’s Six-Hitting Blitz Powers New Zealand
Seifert and Allen unleashed a brutal assault on Pakistan’s bowlers, smashing seven sixes in their opening stand. Despite a maiden over from Shaheen Afridi, Allen responded with three massive sixes in the next over. Seifert then took Afridi apart, hammering 26 runs in one over before falling for 45 off 22 balls.
Allen followed soon after, scoring 38 off just 16 deliveries, with both openers clearing the boundary five times each. Their power-hitting put New Zealand in firm control of the chase.
New Zealand’s Middle Order Seals the Victory
Despite a mini-collapse where four wickets fell in quick succession, Mitch Hay’s unbeaten 21 ensured New Zealand crossed the finish line comfortably.
Pakistan’s Struggles Continue Despite Agha Salman’s Efforts
Sent in to bat first, Pakistan lost opener Hasan Nawaz for a duck again, slumping to 19-2 early on. Captain Agha Salman played a lone hand, top-scoring with 46 off 28 balls, including four fours and three sixes. Shadab Khan (26 off 14) and Shaheen Afridi (22* off 14) provided late resistance, but Pakistan’s total proved insufficient.
Haris Rauf was run out on one at the end of Pakistan’s innings, Dunedin, New Zealand, March 18, 2025 [Sanka Vidanagama/AFP]
Source: News Agencies
New Zealand’s Bowlers Deliver Again
Four Kiwi bowlers claimed two wickets each, including Ben Sears and Jimmy Neesham, who were recalled for this match. Their disciplined bowling restricted Pakistan to a below-par total on a small ground.
Series in New Zealand’s Hands
Having won the first T20 convincingly by nine wickets, New Zealand now holds a dominant position in the series. They will look to seal the series with a win in the third T20 in Auckland on Friday.
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