RAWALPINDI: A combined bowling effort by Pakistan bowlers, followed by wicketkeeper batter Mohammad Rizwan’s composed innings defeated New Zealand by seven wickets in the second T20I of the five-match series here at Pindi Cricket Stadium on Saturday.
Having elected to field after winning the toss, Pakistan’s bowlers delivered a clinical display to restrict New Zealand to a paltry total of 90 runs. Shaheen Afridi spearheaded the bowling attack with figures of 3/13, supported by the experienced Mohammad Amir, who made a remarkable comeback with 2/13 in his first match for Pakistan in almost four years. Abrar Ahmed and Shadab Khan also chipped in with two wickets each, ensuring the Kiwi batters struggled to gain momentum throughout their innings.
Despite a shaky start in the chase of 91 runs, Pakistan comfortably reached the target in just 12.1 overs, with opener Mohammad Rizwan leading the charge with an unbeaten knock of 45 runs off 34 deliveries. Rizwan’s composed innings, featuring four boundaries and a six, guided Pakistan to victory alongside Irfan Khan, who contributed a steady 18 runs off 18 balls.
Saim Ayub fell on the second ball of the innings after scoring a boundary off the first one. Rizwan joined Pakistan captain Babar Azam and together they stitched a 37-run stand for the second wicket to put the Green Shirts in the driving seat. However, New Zealand skipper Michael Bracewell stopped Pakistan’s progress as he removed his counterpart, who was playing at 14.
Ish Sodhi struck Usman Khan with a wrong’un, bringing Irfan Khan out to join Mohammad Rizwan in the middle. Together they knitted an unbeaten 36-run stand to guide Pakistan to the thumping victory with 47 balls to spare.
Pakistan’s victory was built on a disciplined bowling effort that dismantled the New Zealand batting lineup, leaving them reeling at 90 all out in 18.1 overs. The lack of substantial partnerships and an inability to handle Pakistan’s pace and spin attack saw the visitors struggle to build momentum.
Shaheen Afridi set the tone early by dismissing Tim Seifert, while Mohammad Amir made immediate inroads by claiming two wickets in his opening spell. Abrar Ahmed and Shadab Khan capitalized on the early breakthroughs to further dent New Zealand’s batting order, leaving them with a modest total to defend.
In response, Pakistan’s batsmen displayed composure and determination to chase down the target comfortably, securing a 1-0 series lead.
