New Zealand clinch second T20I, defeat Pakistan by 22 Runs

Hamilton: In the second T20I of the five-match series between Pakistan and New Zealand at Seddon Park, Hamilton, Pakistan fell short by 22 runs while chasing a target of 195.

New Zealand, batting first, posted a total of 194 for the loss of eight wickets in their 20 overs, with Finn Allen delivering an outstanding half-century, scoring 74 runs from 41 balls.

The home side's innings also featured a 52-run partnership between Kane Williamson and Allen before Williamson had to retire hurt due to a tight hamstring.

Finn Allen brings up his half-century in style. His fourth in T20 internationals. Follow play LIVE in NZ on TVNZ 1 and @TVNZ+ 📺 LIVE scoring | https://t.co/Wl2gwRxpHX #NZvPAK #CricketNation pic.twitter.com/PS2mN3UAHI

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 14, 2024

New Zealand's innings concluded at 194-8, with Mitchell Santner contributing 25 runs from 13 balls. Haris Rauf, the right-arm pacer from Pakistan, emerged as the most successful bowler, claiming three wickets in a single over, supported by Abbas Afridi, Aamir Jamal, and Usama Mir, who each took one wicket.

Opting to field first after winning the toss, Pakistan faced an early setback, losing opening batters Saim Ayub and Mohammad Rizwan within the first two overs. However, Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman formed a crucial third-wicket partnership, adding 87 runs to stabilize the innings. Fakhar Zaman's aggressive innings of 50 runs off 25 balls, including three fours and five sixes, came to an end in the 10th over when Adam Milne dismissed him.

Despite Babar Azam's half-century (66 runs off 43 balls), Pakistan continued to lose wickets at regular intervals. Adam Milne's four-wicket haul, supported by Ben Sears, Tim Southee, and Ish Sodhi, helped New Zealand dismiss Pakistan for 173 in 19.3 overs. This victory marked New Zealand's second consecutive win in the series.

New Zealand are the victorious side at the end of the second T20I in Hamilton.#NZvPAK | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/U1rRrsOahG

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) January 14, 2024

Finn Allen was awarded the player of the match for his exceptional performance. The third T20I between Pakistan and New Zealand is scheduled to take place on 17 January at University Oval, Dunedin. The match is set to begin at 0500 PKT, with the toss scheduled for 0430 PKT.

Scores in brief:

New Zealand win against Pakistan by 21 runs

New Zealand 194-8, 20 overs (Finn Allen 74, Kane Williamson 26 (retired hurt), Mitchell Santner 25; Haris Rauf 3-38, Abbas Afridi 2-43, Aamir Jamal 1-42, Usama Mir 1-39)

Pakistan 173 all out, 19.3 overs (Babar Azam 66, Fakhar Zaman 50, Shaheen Shah Afridi 22; Adam Milne 4-33, Ben Sears 2-28, Tim Southee 2-31, Ish Sodhi 2-33)

Player of the match - Finn Allen (New Zealand)