DUNEDIN, New Zealand, March 18, 2025 (BSS/AFP) – Captain Salman Agha top-scored with a quickfire 46 as Pakistan posted a total of 135-9 off 15 overs in the rain-affected second Twenty20 against New Zealand on Tuesday.
The hosts now need to chase down 136 in Dunedin to take a 2-0 lead in the five-match series, following their dominant nine-wicket victory in the opening game in Christchurch on Sunday.
Salman played a key role in Pakistan’s recovery after they were put in to bat and lost opener Hasan Nawaz for a duck, marking his second failure in the series. Pakistan found themselves at a precarious 19-2 in the fourth over, but the skipper’s 28-ball knock, which included four boundaries and three sixes, brought the innings back on track.
Shadab Khan provided further impetus in the middle order, scoring 26 off just 14 balls, while Shaheen Shah Afridi remained unbeaten on 22 off 14 deliveries.
Four New Zealand bowlers shared the wickets, with seamer Ben Sears and all-rounder Jimmy Neesham both claiming two scalps. Neesham made his return to the squad along with Sears, replacing Tim Robinson and Kyle Jamieson.
Pakistan made one change to their lineup, bringing in seamer Haris Rauf in place of leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed.
Rain caused a 90-minute delay at University Oval, pushing the match into a reduced-overs format.
With both teams eyeing a critical win, the final result will set the stage for an exciting finish to the series.