New Zealand humiliate Pakistan in 2nd T20I

Openers Finn Allen and Tim Seifert put on a destructive opening stand as New Zealand humbled Pakistan by five wickets in the second T20I at the University Oval on Tuesday.

The Black Caps chased down 136-run target in 13.1 overs to go 2-0 up in the five-match T20I series.

The hosts went off to a flying start courtesy of Allen and Seifert, who posted 66 of just 29 deliveries. Allen smashed Mohammad Ali for 18, while Seifert deposited Shaheen for 26 to break Pakistan back.

Seifert was particularly aggressive, finding boundaries all around the ground before falling for a quick-fire 45 off 22 deliveries.

Meanwhile, Allen continued the onslaught, adding 21 runs with Mark Chapman for the second wicket. However, his entertaining knock of 38 from just 16 balls was cut short by Jahandad Khan, reducing New Zealand to 87-2 in 6.5 overs.

Their brisk stand made things look easy for next batter, who cruised along with the case and eventually crossing the winning line in 13.1 overs.

Skipper Michael Bracewell hit the winning runs alongside Mitchell Hay, who remained unbeaten on 21, sealing the win with 11 balls to spare.

For Pakistan, Haris Rauf claimed two wickets, while Mohammad Ali, Khushdil Shah and Jahandad Khan took one wicket each.

Earlier, Pakistan posted 135 on the scoreboard in the rain-hit contest. The match was reduced to 15 overs per side.

Opener Hasan Nawaz fell for a second consecutive duck, dismissed by Jacob Duffy in the first over.  Mohammad Haris fell after scoring just 11, leaving the visitors at 19-2 in 3.1 overs.

Agha Salman and Irfan Khan made a 31-run stand for the third wicket to break the shackles. However, Ish Sodhi struck in the seventh over, dismissing Irfan (11) and Khushdil Shah (2), to push Pakistan on the back foot again.

However, Agha played aggressively, scoring 46 off 28 balls, he was well sported by Shadab Khan, who scored 26 off 14.

For New Zealand, Duffy, Sears, Sodhi, and Neesham each claimed two wickets.

Squads:

Pakistan Squad: Mohammad Haris(w), Hasan Nawaz, Salman Agha(c), Irfan Khan, Shadab Khan, Khushdil Shah, Abdul Samad, Jahandad Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Ali, Omair Yousuf, Haris Rauf, Abbas Afridi, Usman Khan, Sufiyan Muqeem

New Zealand Squad: Tim Seifert, Finn Allen, Tim Robinson, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Hay(w), Michael Bracewell(c), Zakary Foulkes, Kyle Jamieson, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy, James Neesham, Ben Sears, William ORourke