Seifert, bowlers help New Zealand go 2-0 up vs Pakistan with 5-wicket win in 2nd T20I-OxBig News Network

New Zealand took a 2-0 lead in the five-match T20I series against Pakistan with a five-wicket win in the second T20I on Tuesday, March 18 at University Oval, Dunedin. After being put in to bat first, Pakistan posted 135/9 in 15 overs riding on a brilliant knock from captain Salman Agha (46 off 28). In reply, New Zealand chased down the target in 13.1 overs with Tim Seifert (45 off 22) leading the charge.

The Kiwis’ chase started with a maiden as Seifert had a cautious start against Shaheen Afridi. However, Finn Allen got things going by clobbering Mohammad Ali for three sixes in the second over. Seifert also got into the groove and whacked Shaheen Afridi for four maximums in the third over as both batters began a six-hitting fest.

New Zealand vs Pakistan 2nd T20I Highlights

Despite playing first over maiden, New Zealand brought up their 50 in four overs as the opening duo spared none of the Pakistani bowlers. Seifert was eventually dismissed for 45 (22) getting caught at mid-on against Mohammad Ali.

Two overs later, Allen also got dismissed for 38 (16) being trapped in front of the stumps by Jahanad Khan. However, the opening duo had done a phenomenal job with their explosive stand leaving New Zealand needing run-a-ball 48 runs for a victory. The hosts three more wickets before Mitchell Hay (21* off 16) and captain Michael Bracewell (5* off 2) took them over the line. Haris Rauf was the pick of the bowlers for Pakistan with figures of 2/20 in three overs.

Earlier in the day, Pakistan lost their opener Hasan Nawaz in the first over itself for a three-ball duck. His partner Mohammad Haris also failed to get going, getting dismissed for 11 (10) by Ben Sears.