A blistering opening partnership from Finn Allen and Tim Seifert powered New Zealand to a convincing win over Pakistan, sealing a 2-0 lead in the five-match T20I series despite a rain-curtailed match.
A Rainy Start and a Shortened Contest
Rain threatened to derail the second T20I at University Oval in Dunedin, delaying the start and eventually cutting the match to 15 overs per side. After multiple inspections and tense waiting, New Zealand won the toss and opted to bowl first. Pakistan, eager to break a four-match losing streak, faced an uphill battle from the get-go.
The Kiwis’ decision to bowl immediately paid off. Ben Sears struck early, removing Mohammad Nawaz for a duck in the first over. Soon after, Sears claimed another scalp, leaving Pakistan reeling with both openers back in the pavilion.
The drizzle may have eased, but Pakistan’s troubles didn’t. Salman Agha showed resilience with a gritty 46, but his efforts weren’t enough to build a stable innings. Shadab Khan tried to spark a late surge with a fiery cameo, but Jimmy Neesham’s double strike closed the door. Pakistan ended at 136/8 — a total that seemed far from defendable given the Kiwis’ firepower.
Allen and Seifert: A Six-Hitting Masterclass
New Zealand came out swinging. Literally. Finn Allen and Tim Seifert tore into Pakistan’s bowling attack from ball one, setting the tone with a ruthless display of power hitting.
Allen, channeling vintage form, smashed three towering sixes in quick succession, evoking memories of his earlier explosive performances. Seifert wasn’t about to be left behind — he peppered the boundary ropes, including a stunning over where he sent four consecutive balls into the stands.
- Allen scored 37 off 15 balls before falling to Jahandad Khan.
- Seifert blazed his way to 45 off 22 balls, leaving Pakistan’s bowlers shell-shocked.
- The opening duo put on 66 runs in just 4.4 overs, effectively ending the contest early.
By the time both fell, New Zealand needed less than a run a ball. A slight wobble in the middle order couldn’t derail the chase, and they cruised home with 11 balls to spare.
Pakistan’s Bowling Woes Continue
Pakistan’s bowlers never found their rhythm. Despite Shaheen Afridi starting with a maiden over, the pressure didn’t last. The Kiwi openers dismantled their attack, leaving little room for a comeback.
| Bowler | Overs | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shaheen Afridi | 3 | 20 | 0 |
| Haris Rauf | 3 | 31 | 1 |
| Jahandad Khan | 2 | 18 | 1 |
| Shadab Khan | 3 | 24 | 1 |
Neesham and Daryl Mitchell wrapped things up comfortably, ensuring the Kiwi momentum stayed intact. Pakistan’s lack of control in the middle overs stood in stark contrast to New Zealand’s disciplined approach.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
With the series now tilted heavily in New Zealand’s favor, Pakistan faces an uphill task to stay alive. Their top order looks fragile, and the bowling attack — once a fearsome force — lacks bite. Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan’s absence is felt deeply, while youngsters like Mohammad Haris and Khushdil Shah are yet to leave a mark.
For New Zealand, this series has been about dominance and confidence. Finn Allen’s return to form and Tim Seifert’s aggression are welcome signs ahead of the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup. Bowlers like Ben Sears and Jimmy Neesham have stepped up, giving captain Kane Williamson more firepower to play with.
The third T20I, set for Friday, could either be Pakistan’s redemption or New Zealand’s series clincher. With momentum fully on their side, the Kiwis look poised to finish the job.
