- Scorecard is available here
Dunedin, 18 March 2025: New Zealand beat Pakistan by five wickets at the University Oval in Dunedin to go 2-0 up in the five-match T20I series on Tuesday.
In a rain-shortened match which was reduced to 15 overs a side, Pakistan after being put into bat for the second successive time in the series managed to score 135 for nine courtesy a 28-ball 46 from captain Salman Ali Agha. The right-hand batter innings included four fours and three sixes.
Shadab Khan (26, 14b, 2x4s, 2x6s) and Shaheen Shah Afridi (22 not out, 14b, 2x4s, 1x6) were the other significant run-getters for the touring side. For the hosts, Ben Sears, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy and James Neesham bagged two wickets apiece.
In turn, New Zealand achieved the target in 13.1 overs, losing five wickets in the process. Opening batters Tim Seifert (45, 22b, 3x4s, 5x6s) and Finn Allen (38, 16b, 1x4, 5x6s) provided a brisk 66-run first-wicket stand.
For Pakistan, Haris Rauf was the most successful bowler, clinching two wickets for 20 in three overs.
Both sides will now feature in the third T20I scheduled to take place on 21 March at the Eden Park in Auckland.
Scores in brief:
New Zealand beat Pakistan by five wickets at the University Oval, Dunedin
Pakistan 135-9, 15 overs (Salman Ali Agha 46, Shadab Khan 26, Shaheen Shah Afridi 22 not out; Ish Sodhi 2-17, Jacob Duffy 2-20, Ben Sears 2-23, James Neesham 2-26)
New Zealand 137-5, 13.1 overs (Tim Seifert 45, Finn Allen 38, Michell Hay 21 not out; Haris Rauf 2-20)
Player of the match – Tim Seifert (New Zealand)
