New Zealand vs Pakistan, 2nd T20I: 5 Talking Points

Pakistan finally won their first match on the tour by defeating New Zealand by 48 runs in the second T20 International at Eden Park in Auckland. Thier batsmen stepped up to the challenge on a belter of a track and posted a humongous total on the board batting first after winning the toss. Ahmed Shehzad’s inclusion brought fresh legs in the camp who scored an impressive 44 run knock at the top. Even Fakhar Zaman scored half-century off just 28 deliveries. The good work was carried on by the middle order as Pakistan scored 201/4 after 20 overs.

In response, the Kiwis crumbled right from the word go losing three wickets in the powerplay. The Men in Green had a plan with the ball in hand and executed it to the perfection. The home side kept on losing wickets at regular intervals and eventually were bowled out for 153, well short of the target. The series is levelled now by 1-1 and the decider will be played on Sunday at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui.

Here we bring you the five talking points from the game:

1. Highest opening partnership for Pakistan

The openers Shehzad and Fakhar started superbly on a flat track and caught New Zealand off-guard. Both attacked the bowlers nonchalantly and added 94 in just 10 overs. While the former scored 44, the latter crossed the 50-run mark. Moreover, this was the first partnership of substance on tour for the opening wicket for the visitors. They had lost a wicket with the new ball in all the six matches before that. Nevertheless, this stand has kept the series alive and would hope that they continue in the same vein on Sunday.

2. Babar and Sarfraz extend the advantage

After the openers were dismissed in successive overs by the hosts, it was the responsibility of the middle order to extend the advantage. The duo of Babar Azam and the skipper Sarfraz Ahmed who promoted himself up the order first got their eyes in and then pummelled the clueless the bowling of the Kiwis. They added 91 runs for the third wicket and helped Pakistan go past 200 and equal their second-highest total in T20Is. While the captain scored 41 while he was there, Azam remained unbeaten on 50 off 29 deliveries.

3. Top order collapse for Kiwis

All the happenings were in contrast in the second T20I for the series. New Zealand, under pressure of the asking rate, lost wickets consistently going for quick runs in pursuit of the 202-run target. Only Martin Guptill battled his way through to 26 but he never got going in his stay in the middle. In the process, the hosts lost as many as six wickets only for 64 runs in the ninth over. It was a rare collapse for them as they have dominated the home season so far.

4. Santner and Wheeler fight but in vain

After losing six wickets under 10 overs it was only a mere formality for the visitors as they were smelling victory. But Mitchell Santner and Ben Wheeler had different ideas. They kept attacking the bowlers and accumulated some quick runs. Both stitched a partnership of 54 runs in almost six overs and kept New Zealand in the hunt. However, the wickets were meant to fall while chasing a stiff total as their stunning efforts went in vain. While Santner smashed 37 runs, Wheeler scored 30 runs before being dismissed.

5. New Zealand lose their first game of the season

New Zealand lost the game by 48 runs and thereby their winning run was brought to a screeching halt by Pakistan. They were unbeaten throughout the home season so far across the formats and were looking to continue in the same vein. But the Men in Green finally turned up on the tour and put up a complete performance to win their first game. The Kiwis though have to be credited for winning 14 games in a row across all the formats. They would love to win the series now at the Bay Oval on Sunday.

Keep following CricTracker for more updates.