New Zealand vs Pakistan 2nd T20I: Neesham, Allen & Seifert Shine as Kiwis Dominate Again
In what was supposed to be a competitive five-match T20I series, New Zealand has already taken a 2-0 lead, and James Neesham, once again, reminded us why he’s such a crucial asset to the Kiwis.
The match in Dunedin was reduced to 15 overs per side due to a damp outfield, but that didn’t stop New Zealand from cruising to victory by 5 wickets. Pakistan’s struggles with the bat continued, despite Salman Agha’s resistance, and a quickfire Finn Allen-Tim Seifert show ensured the hosts walked away with a comfortable win.
Let’s break down all the action in this rain-hit encounter.
Pakistan’s Batting: Slightly Better Than Last Time, But Still Struggling
After getting bundled out for 91 in Christchurch, Pakistan showed some improvement in Dunedin but still failed to put up a challenging total.
Opting to bat first, Pakistan’s top order crumbled again. Hasan Nawaz, who’s yet to get off the mark in this series, bagged his second consecutive duck (at this point, he’s averaging as many runs as the wickets he’s given away). Mohammad Haris followed soon after, and before Pakistan fans could blink, their team was struggling at 52/4.
Ish Sodhi’s double strike in the 7th over removed Irfan Khan and Khushdil Shah, putting Pakistan in deeper trouble.
The only bright spot? Captain Salman Agha, who played a fighting knock of 46 off 28 balls, hitting 4 fours and 3 sixes. Shadab Khan chipped in with a quickfire 26 off 14, but wickets kept tumbling.
Then came James Neesham, who delivered two crucial blows in the 13th over, removing Jahandad Khan and Abdul Samad, ensuring Pakistan finished with 135/9—a total that was never going to trouble New Zealand’s firepower.
Finn Allen & Tim Seifert: The Wrecking Crew 💥
If Pakistan had any hope, Finn Allen crushed it immediately.
Shaheen Afridi started strong with a maiden over, but Allen clearly had no patience for that nonsense. In the very next over, he smashed Mohammad Ali for three massive sixes, setting the tone for New Zealand’s chase.
Not to be outdone, Tim Seifert joined the party, hammering four sixes off Shaheen in the third over, including an absolute monster hit over deep mid-wicket.
By the end of just three overs, New Zealand had already raced to 44/0, and Pakistan’s bowlers were looking around, wondering if they could also get rain-shortened out of this nightmare.
Seifert eventually fell for 45 off 22 balls, giving Pakistan a tiny glimmer of hope. That hope was further fueled when Mark Chapman managed just 1 off 6 balls, and James Neesham failed to make an impact, getting dismissed for just 5 runs.
For a brief moment, Pakistan believed. But as usual, reality hit hard.
Shadab Khan dropped a golden opportunity to dismiss Mitchell Hay, but he soon redeemed himself with a stunning diving catch to send Daryl Mitchell packing.
However, it was all too little, too late. Mitchell Hay (21 off 16) and captain Michael Bracewell (4) calmly finished the chase* in just 13.1 overs, securing New Zealand’s 2-0 series lead.
Key Takeaways from the 2nd T20I
🔥 James Neesham’s All-Round Impact: Two crucial wickets to break Pakistan’s momentum.
🔥 Finn Allen & Tim Seifert’s Fireworks: Absolutely tore apart Pakistan’s bowling attack.
🔥 Salman Agha’s Lone Fight: The only Pakistani batter who looked like he had a game plan.
🔥 New Zealand’s Bowling Strength: Ish Sodhi & Jacob Duffy were excellent once again.
🔥 Pakistan’s Strategy Needs a Fix: Their “high-risk” approach backfired yet again.
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About This Match
Neesham struck twice in a crucial 13th over, removing Jahandad Khan and Abdul Samad, ensuring Pakistan couldn’t push beyond 135 runs. He also batted but managed only 5 runs.
Salman Agha was Pakistan’s best batter, scoring 46 off 28 balls, with 4 fours and 3 sixes.
Finn Allen (38 off 16) and Tim Seifert (45 off 22) provided an explosive start, making the chase effortless.
Due to rain and a damp outfield, the match was reduced to 15 overs per side.
Technically, yes. But with New Zealand leading 2-0, Pakistan needs a miracle comeback to win the remaining three matches.
Conclusion: New Zealand is Just Too Good Right Now!
With James Neesham striking at the right time, Finn Allen & Tim Seifert blasting Pakistan’s bowlers, and New Zealand’s bowlers delivering under pressure, it’s hard to see how Pakistan can turn this series around.
Their “high-risk approach” is backfiring, their top order is struggling, and unless they find a way to stabilize their batting, this could be a 5-0 whitewash waiting to happen.
For New Zealand, everything is going exactly as planned. With a balanced squad, strong leadership, and a clear strategy, they are well on their way to sealing this series in style.
The big question: Can Pakistan fight back in the 3rd T20I, or is this series already over?
We’ll find out soon. Until then, New Zealand fans can sit back, relax, and enjoy watching their team dominate. 🏏🔥
