New Zealand Takes 2-0 Lead in T20 Series Against Pakistan

New Zealand secured a comprehensive victory over Pakistan in the second match of the five-match T20 series, taking a commanding 2-0 lead in the series.

Chasing a challenging target of 195 runs set by New Zealand, the Pakistani team put up a spirited effort but was ultimately bowled out for 173 runs, falling short by 21 runs.

The Pakistani innings got off to a shaky start with Saim Ayub and Mohammad Rizwan opening, but both were dismissed early, contributing only 1 and 7 runs respectively. Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam then steadied the ship, with Fakhar Zaman scoring a brisk 50 runs off 25 balls. However, wickets fell in quick succession as Iftikhar Ahmed, Azam Khan, and Fakhar Zaman departed for 4, 2, and 50 runs respectively.

Babar Azam continued his impressive form, scoring a half-century for the second consecutive match, posting 66 runs off 43 balls. Shaheen Shah Afridi also contributed with a quick innings of 22 runs. The New Zealand bowlers were led by Adam Milne, who took 4 wickets, supported by Sean Seer, Ish Sodhi, and Tim Southee, each claiming two wickets.

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Earlier in the match, Pakistan’s decision to field after winning the toss saw New Zealand opening with Finn Allen and Devon Conway. The Kiwi team faced their first setback when Conway was caught out by Fakhar Zaman off Aamer Jamal’s delivery. Despite Captain Williamson retiring hurt after scoring 26 runs, Finn Allen played a brilliant innings of 74 runs off 41 balls, featuring 5 sixes and 7 fours.

Mitchell Santner (25) and Devon Conway (20) made valuable contributions, guiding New Zealand to a total of 195 runs. Pakistan’s bowling attack was led by Haris Rauf, who claimed 3 wickets, supported by Abbas Afridi with 2 wickets, while Osama Mir and Aamer Jamal took 1 wicket each.

While Pakistan retained the same team from the first T20, New Zealand made a change, with Mitchell Santner returning in place of Matt Henry.

The series now stands at 2-0 in favor of the host team, who had previously secured a 46-run victory in the first T20 match. The competition promises more thrilling encounters as both teams vie for supremacy in the upcoming matches.