Babar Azam was the top scorer for Pakistan in the second T20I against New Zealand, making 66 runs off 43 balls with nine boundaries. However, Pakistan lost the match by 21 runs at Seddon Park, Hamilton, allowing New Zealand to take a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.
Pakistan faced challenges from the beginning of their chase, losing both openers, Mohammad Rizwan and Saim Ayub, early on with just 10 runs on the board. Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman then formed a strong partnership of 87 runs, with Fakhar scoring a well-deserved half-century in 24 balls.
Once Fakhar departed, wickets fell quickly, and Pakistan found themselves at 125-6 in 14.3 overs. Despite efforts from Iftikhar Ahmed, Azam Khan, and Aamer Jamal, Pakistan couldn’t mount a successful fight.
Babar Azam, much like in the first match, played a crucial innings, scoring 66 runs with nine boundaries, but his efforts were in vain. Adam Milne took four wickets, while Ben Sears and Ish Sodhi claimed two each for New Zealand.
In the first innings, Finn Allen’s rapid innings of 74 runs propelled New Zealand to a total of 194. Despite a strong start, New Zealand’s momentum slowed after Allen’s dismissal in the 13th over. Pakistani bowlers, led by Haris Rauf’s three wickets in the 19th over, made a comeback, limiting New Zealand to 194 runs. The series stands at 2-0 in favor of New Zealand.
Remaining matches scheduled:
- 3rd T20: 17 January 2024 at University Oval, Dunedin
- 4th T20: 19 January 2024 at Hagley Oval, Christchurch
- 5th T20: 21 January 2024 at Hagley Oval, Christchurch
