Sports

New Zealand down Pakistan by five wickets for second straight win in T20I series

Kiwis take 2-0 lead after winning today's match by five wickets

By Web Desk
March 18, 2025
New Zealand´s Tim Seifert (R) and Finn Allen run between the wickets during the second Twenty20 international cricket match between New Zealand and Pakistan at University of Otago Oval in Dunedin on March 18, 2025. — AFP
New Zealand´s Tim Seifert (R) and Finn Allen run between the wickets during the second Twenty20 international cricket match between New Zealand and Pakistan at University of Otago Oval in Dunedin on March 18, 2025. — AFP

New Zealand on Tuesday downed Pakistan by five wickets in the second match in the ongoing T20I series, effortlessly chasing the 136-run target at Dunedin’s University Oval on Tuesday.

Green Shirts captain Salman Agha top-scored with a rapid 46 as Pakistan posted 135-9 off 15 overs in the rain-reduced second match.

The home side achieved a 2-0 lead after winning two consecutive matches against the Men in Green. 

Earlier, Salman launched a recovery after Pakistan were sent in and lost opener Hasan Nawaz without scoring for the second time in the series.

They were 19-2 in the fourth over before the skipper embarked on a 28-ball knock that featured four fours and three sixes.

Shadab Khan was aggressive in the middle order with 26 off 14 balls and Shaheen Shah Afridi was unbeaten on 22 off 14.

Four New Zealand bowlers took two wickets, including seamer Ben Sears and all-rounder Jimmy Neesham, who were both recalled, in place of Tim Robinson and Kyle Jamieson.

Pakistan's one change was the introduction of seamer Haris Rauf for leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed.

The start was delayed for 90 minutes because of rain at University Oval.