New Zeeland wins by 21 runs in 2nd T20 against Pakistan
In Hamilton, New Zealand secured a 2-0 lead in the five-match T20 series against Pakistan, thanks to Finn Allen’s explosive 41-ball 74 and a stellar four-wicket performance by Adam Milne.
Allen, continuing his excellent form, formed crucial partnerships with Devon Conway and Kane Williamson, setting New Zealand on course for another formidable total after their 226-run triumph in Auckland. Despite efforts from Abbas Afridi and Haris Rauf, Mitchell Santner’s cameo helped the hosts reach 194.
Despite an early setback, Pakistan seemed in control with Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman’s 87-run partnership. However, Milne, Ben Sears, and Ish Sodhi dismantled Pakistan’s batting lineup, securing the victory for New Zealand.
Building on recent T20I scores and Super Smash performances, Finn Allen continued his stellar form by hitting Haris Rauf for a six and a four off his first two deliveries. Unfazed by spin, he took on Usama Mir, smashing boundaries and a six that brought up his half-century in just 24 balls. Allen’s aggressive innings finally ended at 74, cleaned up by Mir.
With Allen’s departure, Abbas Afridi struck, and Rauf contributed with tight overs to leave New Zealand struggling at five down. Rauf’s triple-wicket penultimate over, including the dismissals of Glenn Phillips and Adam Milne, pegged New Zealand back. Despite Mitchell Santner’s efforts, New Zealand finished at 194.
Facing an imposing target, Mohammad Rizwan’s early six was overshadowed by Tim Southee and Adam Milne’s dismissals. Fakhar, dropped on zero, capitalized, hitting three sixes in two overs, reaching a fifty in 23 balls. However, his dismissal followed by Babar Azam’s steady half-century set the stage for New Zealand’s bowlers.
Sears, Sodhi, and Milne Seal the Win: As the required rate soared, Ben Sears removed Iftikhar Ahmed, and Sodhi dismissed Azam Khan and Jamal in quick succession. Despite late resistance from Babar and Shaheen, Sears ended Babar’s innings, and Milne’s crucial wickets in the penultimate over sealed the win for New Zealand, with Southee completing the rout.
