Power Play: In an exciting second T20I match, New Zealand defeats Pakistan. Pakistan vs New Zealand 2nd T20 Highlights 2025
New Zealand took a 2-0 lead in the five-match series after defeating Pakistan in the second Twenty20 International at Dunedin’s University Oval on March 18, 2025, with an exciting performance of power hitting and disciplined bowling.
Synopsis of the Match: β’ Location: Dunedin’s University Oval Date: 18 March 2025 β’ New Zealand prevailed by nine wickets.
Conditions and Toss: Because of a damp outfield, the game was delayed and only consisted of 15 overs per side. Michael Bracewell, the acting captain of New Zealand, won the toss and chose to field first in an attempt to take advantage of the wet weather.
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— πππππ« ππ³ππ¦ ππ₯π’π¬π¬ π (@Bobi_1A) March 18, 2025
πPAK: 36/1 ( 2 Overs)
Powerplay has been wasted, Two wickets Hassan Nawaz and Mohammad Harris! Harris doesn't read the ball well; Pakistan Batters arr struggling against Short ball!
New Zealand dropped Irfan khan Catchπ₯#NZvPAK| #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/I4RyLQ8OOI
Pakistan’s Innings:
The disciplined bowling attack of New Zealand proved too much for Pakistan’s batting lineup to handle. Mohammad Nawaz was dismissed for a duck in the opening over by Jacob Duffy, who struck early. Mohammad Haris was subsequently dismissed by Ben Sears, leaving Pakistan in a vulnerable 19/2 position. With a quick 46 off 26 balls, captain Salman Agha tried to steady the batting, but wickets kept falling. Pakistan was limited to 135/9 in their allotted 15 overs as Ish Sodhi’s twin strike further hampered their progress.
New Zealand’s Chase:
Finn Allen and Tim Seifert, the openers for New Zealand, attacked Pakistan’s bowlers with ferocity as they chased 136. Allen set the tone for the chase with three sixes early in his bat, evoking memories of his earlier exploits at Dunedin. With four straight sixes off Shaheen Afridi, Seifert joined the assault and essentially ended the match in the powerplay. New Zealand sped to 44/0 in just three overs thanks to the pair’s aggressive style, with 42 runs coming from sixes.
The openers remained dominant and maintained a high scoring rate even when spin was introduced. While Seifert struck a quick 45, Allen stayed undefeated at 29 off 17 balls. With 59 balls remaining, New Zealand easily tracked down the target, reaching 92/1.
Key Performances:
- New Zealand:
- Batting: Tim Seifert (45 runs), Finn Allen (29* runs)
- Bowling: Jacob Duffy (early breakthroughs), Ish Sodhi (crucial middle-over wickets)
- Pakistan:
- Batting: Salman Agha (46 runs)
- Bowling: Shaheen Afridi (economical start but expensive later)
Post-Match Thoughts:
New Zealand’s all-encompassing performance demonstrated their supremacy in every area of the game. Seifert and Allen in particular shown their desire to take advantage of fortunate circumstances with their aggressive batting approach. Under the leadership of Duffy and Sodhi, the bowlers successfully carried out their strategies, preventing Pakistan’s batsmen from ever settling.
The defeat emphasizes the need of forming alliances and the necessity of swiftly adjusting to shifting circumstances for Pakistan. Although captain Salman Agha’s one battle with the bat was a good thing, the squad would need teamwork to win the series.
Looking Ahead:
Pakistan has to win the forthcoming third Twenty20 International to save the series, as New Zealand leads it 2-0. They will have to reconsider how they approach the aggressive batting and piercing bowling assault of New Zealand. In contrast, New Zealand will want to keep up their momentum and win the series in the upcoming game.
Cricket fans can anticipate that New Zealand will continue their dominant streak and that Pakistan will return stronger in the third Twenty20 International.
Here is a video highlight of the match for those who were unable to watch the action live:
Highlights of Pakistan vs. New Zealand’s Second Twenty20 Match 2025