HAMILTON: New Zealand has edged closer to clinching the series after a 21-run victory against Pakistan in the second T20I at Seddon Park on Sunday.
Pakistan faced early setbacks in their pursuit of the 195-run target, losing openers Mohammad Rizwan and Saim Ayub for just 10 runs.
Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman then revitalized the innings with an 87-run partnership, with Fakhar reaching a well-deserved half-century in 24 balls. However, after Fakhar’s departure, wickets fell rapidly, and Pakistan found themselves at 125-6 in 14.3 overs.
Despite Babar Azam’s resilient effort of scoring 66 runs off 43 balls, the Men in Green fell short, echoing the outcome of the first match. Adam Milne claimed four wickets, while Ben Sears and Ish Sodhi took two each for the home side.
In the first innings, Finn Allen’s aggressive innings of 74 runs off 41 balls propelled New Zealand to a total of 194.
Although the home side appeared set for a substantial score, Pakistani bowlers, led by Haris Rauf’s three wickets in the 19th over, made a comeback, restricting New Zealand to a chaseable total of 194 runs. With this win, New Zealand is now on the verge of securing the series against Pakistan.
Playing XIs
Pakistan: Mohammad Rizwan, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Azam Khan (wk), Aamer Jamal, Usama Mir, Shaheen Afridi (c), Abbas Afridi, Haris Rauf
New Zealand: Finn Allen, Devon Conway (wk), Kane Williamson (c), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner, Adam Milne, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Ben Sears
