Pak vs NZ: The Pakistani team performed brilliantly in the second match of the five-match T20 series being played between Pakistan and New Zealand. Due to rain, the match was reduced to 15-15 overs, in which Pakistan batted first and set a target of 136 runs in front of New Zealand. Captain Salman Agha played an explosive innings and scored 46 runs. At the same time, Shaheen Afridi scored an unbeaten 22 runs in the last overs while batting stormily. However, New Zealand bowlers also gave a tough challenge and New Zealand’s bowlers took 13 wickets in 15 overs.
1. Strong performance by Salman Agha and Shaheen Afridi
Pakistan team lost the toss and batted first. Mohammad Haris and Hasan Nawaz started the innings. However, Hasan Nawaz got out on zero. At the same time, Mohammad Haris scored 11 runs in 10 balls. After this, captain Salman Agha displayed brilliant batting. He scored a brilliant innings of 46 runs with the help of 3 sixes and 4 fours.
After Salman, Shadab Khan and Shaheen Afridi also played short but aggressive innings. Shadab Khan scored 26 runs in 14 balls, which included 2 fours and 2 sixes. At the same time, Shaheen Afridi scored an unbeaten 22 runs in 14 balls. He hit 2 fours and 1 six. This fast innings of Shaheen was very important for the team, due to which Pakistan set a challenging score.
2. Contribution of Salman Ali Agha and other batsmen
Salman Ali Agha played great shots in his innings. His contribution helped Pakistan get a respectable score. After this, Irfan Khan scored 11 runs, but he too had to return to the pavilion soon. Khushdil Shah also could not last long and could score only 2 runs.
Shadab Khan and Shahi Afridi scored fast runs in the end. Shadab Khan scored 26 runs in 14 balls, in which he hit 2 fours and 2 sixes. Shahi Afridi also batted brilliantly and scored 22 runs in 14 balls, which included 2 fours and 1 six.
Abdul Samad also scored 11 runs in his innings, but he could not last long. Overall, Pakistan scored 136 runs in 15 overs, which was a challenging target for New Zealand.
3. Four successful bowlers in New Zealand’s bowling
New Zealand bowlers troubled Pakistan batsmen, but Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha and Shadab Khan fought well. Jacob Duffy performed best for New Zealand and took 2 wickets for 20 runs in 3 overs. Apart from this, Ben Sears took 2 wickets for 23 runs in 3 overs.
Jimmy Neesham took 2 wickets for 26 runs in 3 overs. Ish Sodhi also took 2 wickets, but he gave 17 runs in 2 overs. New Zealand captain Bracewell was not successful in taking wickets in this match.
4. Pakistan score and upcoming matches
In the second T20, Pakistan scored 135 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in 15 overs, giving New Zealand a target of 136 runs to win. Pakistani batsmen strengthened the score by scoring runs quickly in the last overs.
Pakistan put up 135-9 in their batting effort in Dunedin 🏏
Over to the bowlers ☄️#NZvPAK | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/VAt30CaUjP
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) March 18, 2025
Now the third match will be played between the two teams, in which Pakistan will try to avenge its defeat. However, New Zealand took the lead in the series by defeating Pakistan by 9 wickets in the first T20, so Pakistan will have to perform better in the upcoming matches to make a comeback in the series.
Pakistan’s batting performance
- Salman Agha: 46 runs (3 sixes, 4 fours)
- Shadab Khan: 26 runs (2 sixes)
- Shaheen Afridi: 22 not out (2 fours, 1 six)
- Mohammad Haris: 11 runs
- Irfan Khan: 11 runs
- Khushdil Shah: 2 runs
Performance of New Zealand bowlers
- Jacob Duffy: 3 overs,
- Ben Sears: 3 overs, 23 runs, 2 wickets
- Jimmy Neesham: 3 overs, 26 runs, 2 wickets
- Ish Sodhi: 2 overs, 17 runs, 2 wickets
- Michael Bracewell: 2 overs, 19 runs, 0 wickets
Pakistan performed brilliantly in the second T20 match and gave New Zealand a target of 136 runs. Salman Agha’s captaincy innings and Shaheen Afridi’s explosive batting took the team to a respectable score. However, New Zealand’s bowlers performed effectively and took wickets at regular intervals. Now it remains to be seen whether Pakistan is able to make a comeback in the series in the upcoming matches or not.
