Pakistan Sets 136-Run Target for New Zealand in Rain-Affected Second T20I
Pakistan posted a target of 136 runs for New Zealand in a rain-shortened second T20I match at the University Oval in Dunedin on Tuesday.
After a shaky start from openers Mohammad Haris and Hasan Nawaz, captain Salman Ali Agha attempted to stabilize the innings. He played a blistering knock of 46 runs off 28 balls, including four boundaries and three sixes. However, the middle order struggled, with Irfan Khan and Khushdil Shah contributing only 11 and 2 runs, respectively.
Shadab Khan briefly boosted the score with a quickfire 26 off 14 balls before being dismissed by Jacob Duffy. Pakistan then suffered a double blow, losing Jahandad Khan and Abdul Samad in quick succession in the 13th over. Shaheen Afridi provided some late fireworks, smashing 21 runs off 13 balls to help push the total.
Earlier, New Zealand won the toss and chose to field first in the match, which was reduced to 15 overs per side due to rain.
New Zealand currently leads the five-match series 1-0 after a dominant nine-wicket victory in the first T20I at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Sunday.
In the previous encounter, Pakistan was bowled out for a paltry 91 runs. Khushdil Shah top-scored with 32, while debutants Abdul Samad and Hasan Nawaz failed to make an impact. Jacob Duffy was the standout bowler for New Zealand, claiming four wickets. Kyle Jamieson chipped in with three, and Ish Sodhi took two.
New Zealand comfortably chased down the target in the 11th over, with Tim Seifert scoring 44. Finn Allen and Tim Robinson remained unbeaten, with Abrar Ahmed taking the sole wicket for Pakistan.