2nd T20I, Dunedin, March 18, 2025, 06:45 AM
Pakistan
135/9(15.0ov)
New Zealand
137/5(13.1ov)
New Zealand beat Pakistan by 5 wickets
Best Batsmen
R
B
4S
6S
SR
Best Bowler
O
R
W
Econ
Man of the Match
Tim Seifert
Commentry
Right then, that is it from this shortened but entertaining game where New Zealand go 2-0 up against Pakistan. Next up, is the 3rd T20I on 21st March Friday, where the Kiwis will be looking to seal the series while the Men in Green will play to stay alive. That will begin at 6.15 am GMT, but as you know, you can always join us early for all the build-up to the match. Until then, cheers and goodbye!
Michael Bracewell, the victorious skipper of New Zealand says that it was a great bowling performance from them and they were happy to chase this target. Adds that the wicket was under covers and there was extra bounce, so Pakistan tried the shorter deliveries more. Says that it was good to see both the openers taking the game to them and he is very happy with the effort. Ends by saying that the weather in Wellington is not bad either, and it is nice to see the fans supporting despite the challenging conditions.
Salman Agha, the captain of Pakistan says that it was a better game with a lot of positives. Adds that they batted well but need to finish well, and the fielding was outstanding. Adds that they need to adjust to the bounce to put up a better challenge to the Kiwis. Says that the spinners bowled well after the Powerplay, and then Haris Rauf also did well. Ends by saying that they need to be a bit better in the Powerplay with both bat and ball.
Tim Seifert is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his smashing knock. He says that it was good fun out there. Adds that after the first over, he thought it would be a good wicket, but the partnership worked out for them. Adds that he and Finn Allen have played a lot of cricket together, and it is always a nice feeling to play for the nation. Mentions that you are up against some of the best in the world and it is important to apply pressure and learn from your mistakes. Ends by saying that, he dropped two catches in the first game and was nervous but has worked on that.
Presentation Time...
Not much to write home about regarding Pakistan's bowling effort. Shaheen Afridi began with a maiden over, offering a glimmer of hope, but things quickly unraveled as the Kiwi openers unleashed a barrage of power hitting. Haris Rauf was a bright spot, claiming a couple of wickets and showing he'll be crucial in the upcoming games. Khushdil Shah held his own, but the rest of the attack proved far too expensive
Earlier in the game, Pakistan put up a competitive total, thanks to a solid innings from skipper Salman Agha, supported by handy cameos from Khushdil Shah and Shaheen Afridi. New Zealand made good use of the conditions with the ball — and apart from Zakary Foulkes and Michael Bracewell, every bowler contributed with a couple of wickets, which helped keep the Men in Green in check
Despite starting with a maiden over, New Zealand raced out of the blocks as both openers seemed to be in a contest of their own — who could hit more sixes. The pair smashed 10 sixes between them, effectively taking the game away early and breaking the back of the chase. While they didn’t stay till the end, the result was all but sealed by then. Mitchell Hay chipped in with a handy knock, and Michael Bracewell applied the finishing touches to seal the win
A comfortable win for the Kiwis! They take a 2-0 lead in the series with a strong all-round performance. Pakistan put up more of a fight compared to the previous game, but still have work to do if they want to stay in the series.
In over# 14
4
Jahandad Khan 23/1(1.1)
13.1
4
FOUR! Michael Bracewell finishes things off in nice fashion! Jahandad Khan bangs this short and on middle. The Kiwi skipper stays back and pulls it over mid-wicket for a boundary. NEW ZEALAND WIN BY 5 WICKETS!
In over# 13
1
0W
1
1lb
1
6
Haris Rauf 20/2(3)
12.6
1
Back of a length and on off, Michael Bracewell dabs it towards point for one.
Michael Bracewell is he next batter in.
OUT! TAKEN! Shadab Khan makes up for his dropped catch in fine fashion! Haris Rauf takes pace off, hits the length hard and on middle. Daryl Mitchell backs away to push it but fails to keep it down. The ball flies wide of short covers where Shadab dives to his right and takes a fantastic catch. Rauf appreciates that effort and it is all smiles between the duo.
12.5
W
OUT! TAKEN! Shadab Khan makes up for his dropped catch in fine fashion! Haris Rauf takes pace off, hits the length hard and on middle. Daryl Mitchell backs away to push it but fails to keep it down. The ball flies wide of short covers where Shadab dives to his right and takes a fantastic catch. Rauf appreciates that effort and it is all smiles between the duo.
12.4
1
On a length and on off, Mitchell Hay guides it towards point for one.
12.3
1lb
Nasty blow! Haris Rauf bowls a sharp bouncer, on middle. Daryl Mitchell looks to pull it away but misses and takes a blow on the back of the helmet. A mandatory concussion check to follow now.
12.2
1
DROPPED! That sums up the day for Pakistan! A slower one, full and on middle, Mitchell Hay looks to loft it away but gets a leading edge. Shadab Khan at extra covers tries to settle under it, but is all over it and spills it in the end. The Kiwis are one big hit away now!
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