New Zealand Vs Pakistan

Introduction

No doubt, the game is an all-time classic, if not the greatest, when New Zealand encountered Pakistan in its T20I contest at the University of Otago Oval in Dunedin. The match was filled with turns and high dramas, along with some brilliant individual performances, making it not too straight a passage from both ends as teams exhibited their skills and formulated strategies. From the brilliant batman to the spell-binding bowler, the queen of symptoms that point to the true essence of a cricketing rivalry was captured in this match.

New Zealand vs Pakistan Cricket Scorecard t20

Pakistan

135/9

(15.0) RR 9.00

New Zealand

137/5

(13.1) RR 10.41

New Zealand beat Pakistan by 5 wickets

Match Summary

Venue: University of Otago Oval, Dunedin

Format: T20I

Result: New Zealand won by 5 wickets

Match Scorecard: Click here to view the full match details

The match was initiated with lots of anticipation, as both teams were parading their 11 best players, each trying to outdo the other in their calculated and perfect execution.

First Innings: Pakistan Batting

Pakistan after winning the toss opted to bat first and started slowly but there came a moment when they struggled. Hasan Nawaz fails to score even one run and is dismissed by Jacob Duffy as Mark Chapman catches it. Mohammad Haris could add only 11 runs from 10 balls before he was bowled by Ben Sears. The captain, Salman Agha, played a good innings scoring 46 runs from 28 balls firing four boundaries and three sixes; his innings provided stability to the innings when badly needed.

However, New Zealand could hold their heads high, for they fought back even in their losing endeavor as they made another breakthrough almost at the end of every over with their disciplined bowling. Going for an economical spell was Ben Sears and Ish Sodhi, putting Pakistan under pressure.

It was a complete failure as compared to the base made by Salman Agha in the middle order. Irfan Khan managed to add 11 runs, while Khushdil Shah was very thrifty, managing to score only 2 runs. Shadab Khan’s last burst, scoring 26 off 14 balls from then on took Pakistan to 135/9 in a mere stretch of 15 overs while it set a very challenging target for New Zealand.

Bowling Highlights (First Innings)

Best Bowler: Ben Sears – 3 wickets for 20 runs

Economy Star: Ish Sodhi – Economy rate of 5.00

Key Dismissals: Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Haris, Salman Agha

Second Innings: New Zealand’s Chase

The chase started explosively, with Seifert and Finn Allen showing apparent aggression from the very beginning. Tim Seifert, at the other end, bludgeoned a blistering 60 off 30 balls, including five sixes, while Finn Allen supported him well with a counterattacking 45 off 25 balls. The two set fire in a great partnership that set a good platform and made the chase that much easier for the hosts.

New Zealand lost a couple of wickets in the middle and wasn’t affected. Mark Chapman and Daryl Mitchell made sure that no big hiccups came their way and finished the job in style. The Kiwis sealed a convincing 5-wicket win by reaching the final target within 14 overs.

Key Performances

Player of the Match: Tim Seifert – 60 runs from 30 balls

Top Scorer: Tim Seifert – 60 runs from 30 balls

Best Bowler: Ben Sears – 3 wickets for 20 runs

Game-Changer: Tim Seifert’s attack at the top.

Turning Point of the Match

The match swung in New Zealand’s favor in the 5th over of their innings when Tim seized Seifert’s initiation counterattack against Haris Rauf. Three sixes in a row hit him, turning the game in favor of New Zealand, upsetting the Pakistani bowlers, and paving the way for victory.

Statistical Highlights

Total Sixes:15

Total Fours:18

Most Economical Bowler- Ish Sodhi: 5.00

Fastest Fifty: Tim Seifert; 50 in 24 balls

Full Match Scorecard: View detailed match statistics.

Final Thoughts

This match surely portrayed the intensity and competitiveness of the Pakistan-New Zealand cricketing rivalry. Some had brilliant dots for Pakistan, but this was an all-round side that executed everything better, especially batting and bowling under pressure.

Both teams had their moments of brilliance, but in the end, New Zealand reigned supreme in batting and disciplined bowling. Fans are already excited for the next series, which is likely to be as exciting. See more

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