After a crushing defeat in the first T20I, Pakistan will look to bounce back as they take on New Zealand in the second match of the five-game series in Dunedin. With their batting under scrutiny, Pakistan faces a crucial test to prove they can compete against a dominant New Zealand side despite missing key players.
Pakistan’s Struggles in the First T20I
Pakistan’s newly appointed captain, Salman Agha, had called for aggressive, “high-risk” cricket, but the strategy backfired in Christchurch, where they were bowled out for just 91. With Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam dropped and Saim Ayub unavailable due to an ankle injury, Pakistan’s batting lacked stability. Debutant Hasan Nawaz and Mohammad Haris opened the innings, with Salman Agha coming in at No. 3, but seven batters failed to reach double digits. Khushdil Shah’s 32 off 30 balls was the only significant contribution.
New Zealand’s bowlers dominated, with Kyle Jamieson and Jacob Duffy dismantling Pakistan’s batting lineup, sharing seven wickets between them. The home side then chased down the target in just 10.1 overs, with Tim Seifert, Finn Allen, and Tim Robinson making light work of the run chase.
New Zealand Looks to Maintain Momentum
Despite missing several players due to IPL commitments, New Zealand made a strong statement in the series opener. They will be aiming to continue their dominance, with Duffy leading the pace attack after his impressive 4 for 14 in the first game. Jimmy Neesham, who has not played for New Zealand since June 2024, might have to wait for his opportunity as the team looks set to retain its winning combination.
Form Guide
- New Zealand: WLWWW (last five completed T20Is)
- Pakistan: LLLLW
Players in the Spotlight
Jacob Duffy (New Zealand)
Duffy has been a key performer, picking up 12 wickets in five T20Is since November 2023 at an outstanding economy rate of 5.54. His match-winning performance in the first game makes him a crucial figure in New Zealand’s bowling attack.
Salman Agha (Pakistan)
Since making his T20I debut last November, Salman Agha has played seven matches. Promoting himself to No. 3 in the first game, he managed only 18 off 20 balls, and his overall strike rate in T20Is stands at 81.92. As captain, he will be eager to contribute more effectively with the bat and lead Pakistan’s resurgence.
Team News and Probable XIs
New Zealand (Likely XI)
- Tim Seifert
- Finn Allen
- Tim Robinson
- Mark Chapman
- Daryl Mitchell
- Mitchell Hay (wk)
- Michael Bracewell (capt)
- Zakary Foulkes
- Ish Sodhi
- Kyle Jamieson
- Jacob Duffy
New Zealand is expected to stick with their winning combination, featuring Jamieson, Duffy, and Zakary Foulkes in the pace attack, alongside spinners Ish Sodhi and Michael Bracewell.
Pakistan (Likely XI)
- Mohammad Haris (wk)
- Hasan Nawaz
- Salman Agha (capt)
- Irfan Khan
- Shadab Khan
- Khushdil Shah
- Abdul Samad
- Jahandad Khan
- Shaheen Afridi
- Abrar Ahmed
- Mohammed Ali
Pakistan handed a debut to fast bowler Mohammed Ali in the first game, opting to open with him alongside Shaheen Afridi, leaving out Haris Rauf. With it being a five-match series, Pakistan may give Ali another opportunity before considering bringing in Rauf.
Pitch and Conditions
Dunedin’s University Oval has hosted three men’s T20Is, with the most recent in January 2024 when Finn Allen’s 137 powered New Zealand to 224 against Pakistan. The venue is known for being batting-friendly, with an average run rate of 9.88 per over. Scores of 200-plus have been recorded three times out of six innings here. The weather forecast for match day suggests occasional showers with cool temperatures.
Stats and Trivia
- Tim Seifert averages 56.50 at University Oval, having played all three T20Is at the venue.
- Since 2020, New Zealand has won eight out of 12 home T20Is against Pakistan.
What They Said
Jacob Duffy, speaking about playing in Dunedin, shared his excitement about returning to familiar conditions:
“Definitely my home ground, lived here since I was 18. Good to be back home, especially after spending four to five weeks in Pakistan. Looking forward to playing at what I think is the best ground in the country.”
With Pakistan desperate for a turnaround and New Zealand looking to extend their dominance, the second T20I promises to be an exciting contest.
