In an electrifying display of cricket, Pakistan clinched a decisive win against New Zealand in the second T20I held in Rawalpindi on Saturday, leading the series with a 1-0 score. Pakistan’s left-arm pacers, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mohammad Amir, were pivotal in dismantling the New Zealand batting lineup, sharing five wickets between them and holding the visitors to a mere 90 runs. Mohammad Rizwan then spearheaded the chase, steering his team to victory with an unbeaten 45.
The match began under the shadow of the washed-out first game, generating considerable anticipation. New Zealand, considerably weakened by the absence of several key players due to IPL commitments and injuries, struggled from the outset. Sent in to bat, their innings never gained momentum. Shaheen Afridi, returning with lethal form, snagged 3 wickets for just 13 runs. Mohammad Amir, marking his return to international cricket after a nearly four-year hiatus, also proved catastrophic for the Kiwis, claiming 2 wickets for 13 runs.
Mohammad Rizwan’s unyielding 34-ball 45*, embellished with a six and four boundaries, anchored Pakistan’s chase. Despite early setbacks with the dismissals of Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, and debutant Usman Khan, Pakistan reached their target comfortably in just 12.1 overs. Muhammad Irfan Khan supported Rizwan with a steady 18 off 18 balls, and their partnership effectively sealed the match for Pakistan.
The visitors did attempt a comeback, seeing off Ayub, Azam, and Khan cheaply. Ayub was out caught and bowled by Ben Lister, Azam was stumped off Michael Bracewell, and Khan was bowled by Ish Sodhi. Nevertheless, their efforts were insufficient to defend such a low total, and New Zealand’s bowlers found themselves outmaneuvered by Pakistan’s strategic batting.
Speaking after the game, Pakistan captain Babar Azam lauded his bowlers for setting the tone early in the game. “It’s crucial to capitalize on the first six overs, and our bowlers executed that perfectly today,” he said, praising the efforts of the returning Amir and Shaheen.
New Zealand captain Michael Bracewell expressed disappointment over his team’s performance, citing a failure to adapt to the pitch conditions and the pressure they found themselves under. “We need to regroup and come back stronger,” Bracewell noted, highlighting the urgency to learn from their mistakes with subsequent games looming.
The match also saw significant contributions from spinners Abrar Ahmed and Shadab Khan, who each took 2 wickets for 15 runs, intensifying the pressure on New Zealand’s middle order. Mark Chapman, with a quick 19 off 16 balls, was the top scorer for New Zealand, but with little support from the rest, the total was never going to be enough.
This victory is particularly poignant for Pakistan as they prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies. Similarly, New Zealand, despite their current player shortages, will look to recalibrate as they too eye the global tournament.
The teams will next face off in Rawalpindi again before moving to Lahore for the final matches of the series. As the teams adjust their strategies and line-ups, the coming games promise more intense cricketing action, with each side eager to clinch the series in their favor.