Pakistan trounced New Zealand by seven wickets in the second T20I clash of the five-match series at the revered Pindi Cricket Stadium.
The match, marred by a spellbinding performance from the Green Shirts, unfolded with Mohammad Rizwan's milestone achievement as the fastest player to reach 3,000 T20I runs, reaffirming his indispensable role within the squad.
Facing a modest target of 91, Pakistan weathered an early setback with opener Saim Ayub's swift exit, but Babar Azam and Rizwan swiftly took charge. However, Azam's departure after a brief stint at the crease raised some eyebrows, before Usman Khan's dismissal further tested Pakistan's resolve. Yet, it was a fleeting moment of uncertainty as Rizwan, alongside Ifran Khan Niazi, guided Pakistan to a resounding victory with an unyielding 36-run partnership.
Earlier in the contest, Pakistan's bowlers orchestrated a masterclass, dismantling the New Zealand batting lineup with precision. Spearheaded by Shaheen Afridi's early breakthrough and Mohammad Amir's triumphant return to international cricket, the Pakistani pace battery left the Black Caps reeling. Amir's clinical display, supported by Abrar Ahmed's timely strikes and Shadab Khan's spin prowess, culminated in a relentless onslaught, restricting New Zealand to a paltry 90 runs.
Afridi emerged as the leading wicket-taker with three scalps, while contributions from Amir, Abrar, and Shadab underscored Pakistan's collective bowling brilliance. Naseem Shah's impactful spell further underscored the team's comprehensive dominance on the night.
Kiwis all out at 90
Pakistan's formidable bowling attack displayed its prowess as they dismantled the entire New Zealand side, restricting them to a mere 90 runs in 18.1 overs in the gripping second T20I clash at the Pindi Cricket Stadium on Saturday.
With the stage set for a compelling encounter, the Green Shirts showcased their bowling dominance, leaving the Black Caps struggling to find their footing throughout the innings.
Chasing a modest target of 91 runs, Pakistan's bowlers delivered a masterclass performance, ensuring a daunting task for the visitors.
The onslaught began early in the innings when Shaheen Afridi, renowned for his proficiency with the new ball, swiftly dismissed Black Caps' opener Tim Seifert, conceding just 12 runs.
Not to be outdone, Mohammad Amir, making a comeback to the Pakistani squad after nearly four years, made an immediate impact. In his first over, Amir claimed the crucial wicket of Tim Robinson, adding to New Zealand's woes.
Continuing his onslaught, Amir further rattled the Kiwi batting lineup, with skipper Babar Azam completing a straightforward catch to send Dean Foxcroft back to the pavilion.
Despite a brief respite, courtesy of Abrar Ahmed's fiery spell in the ninth over, the Kiwis found themselves struggling to stabilize their innings.
As the match progresses, all eyes are now on Pakistan's batting lineup as they gear up to chase down the target set by New Zealand, aiming to clinch victory in this pulsating encounter.
Toss
Earlier, Pakistan's skipper Babar Azam won the toss and elected to bowl first in the highly anticipated second T20I encounter against New Zealand at the Pindi Cricket Stadium on Saturday.
The toss unfolded at 7:00 PM (PST) in Rawalpindi, with the presence of captains Babar Azam and Michael Bracewell. Both teams have maintained an unchanged playing XI from the first T20I encounter.
Despite the persistent rain that truncated the first T20I after just two balls, both sides are fielding unchanged playing XIs.
Pakistan: Babar Azam (c), Saim Ayub, Mohammad Rizwan, Usman Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Amir, Abrar Ahmed
New Zealand: Michael Bracewell (c), Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Dean Foxcroft, Ben Lister, James Neesham, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert (wk), Ish Sodhi
Ground staff, led by Pindi’s head groundsman, Sarfraz Ahmed, the pitch at the Pindi Cricket Stadium stands in immaculate condition despite the inclement weather.
Ahmed underscored the team's commitment to maintaining the grounds, ensuring minimal disruptions due to rain.
Looking ahead, the series is set to transition to Lahore following the first three matches at the Pindi Cricket Stadium. The remaining two T20Is will grace the iconic Gaddafi Stadium on April 25 and 27, respectively, adding to the anticipation surrounding this fiercely contested series.
Cricket aficionados can catch all the exhilarating action live on Pakistan’s premier sports channel Geo Super, as the battle between Pakistan and New Zealand reaches fever pitch.
Pakistan vs New Zealand T20I series schedule:
- April 18 — 1st T20I, Rawalpindi
- April 20 — 2nd T20I, Rawalpindi
- April 21 — 3rd T20I, Rawalpindi
- April 25 — 4th T20I, Lahore
- April 27 — 5th T20I, Lahore
