PAK vs NZ 2nd T20: Pakistan Bowling Falters as New Zealand Ease to Victory in 2nd T20I

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PAK vs NZ 2nd T20I: New Zealand put on a commanding display in the second T20I at Dunedin, defeating Pakistan by five wickets in a rain-shortened 15-over contest to take a 2-0 lead in the series. Led by Tim Seifert's explosive 45 off 22 balls, the Kiwis made light work of the 136-run target, chasing it down in 13.1 overs.

Pakistan, who were asked to bat first, struggled to put up a competitive total despite captain Salman Agha's 46 off 28 balls. Their innings ended at 135/9, as Jacob Duffy (3/20) and Ish Sodhi (2/17) kept the visitors in check.

Pakistan's innings never really took off after Hasan Nawaz (0) fell in the first over. Mohammad Haris (11) also departed early, leaving the middle order to stabilize the innings. Salman Agha played a captain's knock with well-timed strokes, while Shadab Khan chipped in with a crucial 26 off 14 balls.

However, consistent wickets at crucial moments prevented Pakistan from building a solid partnership. Neesham (2/26) and Duffy ensured the pressure remained on the visitors.

Chasing 136, New Zealand openers Finn Allen and Tim Seifert came out firing, smashing boundaries at will. Allen's 38 off 16 balls and Seifert's 45 off 22 balls dismantled the Pakistan bowling attack early on. The highlight of the chase was Seifert smashing four consecutive sixes off Shaheen Afridi, which left the Pakistan camp shell-shocked. Fans on social media were quick to react, mocking Afridi's inability to control the onslaught.

Despite a few hiccups in the middle order, Mitchell Hay (21) and Michael Bracewell (5) guided New Zealand home comfortably in the 14th over. With this win, New Zealand now lead the five-match series 2-0. Pakistan will need to regroup quickly before the third T20I, as another loss will hand the Kiwis an unassailable lead.