Seifert and Allen’s fireworks sink Pakistan as New Zealand extend series lead
Tim Seifert’s explosive 45 off 22 balls and a strong bowling display ensured the hosts chased down Pakistan’s 135/9 in just 13.1 overs.
New Zealand extended their lead in the five-match T20I series against Pakistan, securing a five-wicket victory in the second match at University Oval, Dunedin, on 18 March.
Tim Seifert's explosive 45 off 22 balls and a strong bowling display ensured the hosts chased down Pakistan's 135/9 in just 13.1 overs.
Sent in to bat, Pakistan struggled early as Hasan Nawaz fell for a duck in the opening over. Mohammad Haris (11 off 10) followed soon after, dismissed by Ben Sears. Captain Salman Agha provided some resistance with a brisk 46 off 28 deliveries, but wickets continued to tumble.
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Ish Sodhi's double strike in one over removed Irfan Khan and Khushdil Shah, while Jimmy Neesham's spell further dented Pakistan's hopes. Shaheen Afridi's late cameo of 22 gave Pakistan a fighting total of 135/9 in the reduced 15-over contest.
New Zealand's reply began cautiously, with Seifert playing out a maiden against Shaheen. However, Finn Allen shifted momentum quickly, hammering three sixes off Mohammad Ali in the second over.
Seifert then joined in, dispatching four sixes off Shaheen in the third over. The duo raced to 50 in just four overs, setting a commanding platform.
Seifert was eventually caught at mid-on for 45 off 22, while Allen departed for 38 off 16 after being trapped lbw by Jahandad Khan. Despite losing a few wickets, New Zealand required just 48 runs at a run-a-ball rate.
Mitchell Hay (21* off 16) and captain Michael Bracewell (5* off 2) calmly guided the hosts to victory. Haris Rauf was Pakistan's best bowler, picking up 2/20 in his three overs, but it was not enough to stop New Zealand from taking a 2-0 lead in the series.
