New Zealand
Pakistan
Pakistan will be desperate to bounce back when they take on New Zealand in the second T20I at the University Oval in Dunedin on Tuesday, March 18. The match kicks off at 6:45 AM IST, with the visitors looking to put their disastrous start behind them.
The opening game was a one-sided affair as New Zealand cruised to a nine-wicket win after dismantling Pakistan’s top order. Reduced to 11 for four inside five overs, Pakistan never recovered, with Khushdil Shah’s 32 being the only notable contribution.
With key players missing, they’ll need a much-improved batting display to challenge the Blackcaps, who are riding high on confidence. Can Pakistan find a way to level the series, or will New Zealand tighten their grip with another dominant performance?
After his lethal spell in the first T20I, Jamieson remains a key threat with the new ball against Pakistan’s shaky top order.
The betting tip is...
Kyle Jamieson Over 1.5 Wickets
71 %
29 %
New ZealandPakistanNew Zealand head into the second T20I full of confidence after a commanding nine-wicket victory in the series opener. Even without several key players due to IPL commitments, the Blackcaps looked a class apart, delivering a clinical all-round performance.
Their bowling attack completely dismantled Pakistan, with Kyle Jamieson leading the charge. The tall pacer was nearly unplayable, taking 3 for 8 in four overs, while Jacob Duffy produced career-best figures of 4 for 14. Their relentless pace and movement with the new ball reduced Pakistan to 11 for four inside five overs, leaving the visitors with no way back.
With the bat, New Zealand’s top order made light work of the chase. Tim Seifert was in fine touch, smashing 44 off 29 balls, while Finn Allen and Mark Chapman ensured there were no hiccups in the modest pursuit of 92. The Blackcaps boast a strong batting lineup with power-hitters like Allen, Seifert, Daryl Mitchell, and Chapman, all of whom are capable of taking the game away in quick time.
Heading into the second match, the hosts will be keen to carry forward their momentum and tighten their grip on the series.
Their bowling attack, which includes Jamieson, Duffy, and experienced campaigners like Ish Sodhi, has already exposed Pakistan’s weaknesses. Expect the same line-up.
Predicted Lineup: Tim Seifert, Finn Allen, Tim Robinson, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Hay (wk), Michael Bracewell (c), Zakary Foulkes, Kyle Jamieson, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy.
Pakistan will be eager to bounce back after a poor batting display in the series opener, where they were skittled out for just 91. The top order crumbled under New Zealand’s pace barrage, with Khushdil Shah’s 32 being the only notable contribution. Skipper Salman Agha will be looking for a much-improved effort from his side in Dunedin.
With Mohammad Haris opening the innings alongside Hasan Nawaz, Pakistan will need a solid start to counter the early threat posed by the Kiwi pacers. Salman Agha, Irfan Khan, and Shadab Khan form the middle order, while Abdul Samad and Khushdil Shah add firepower lower down. The team will be hoping for better application against the moving ball, especially after their struggles in the first match.
On the bowling front, Pakistan will rely on Shaheen Afridi to make early inroads, with support from Mohammad Ali and Jahandad Khan. Abrar Ahmed’s spin could be a key factor in the middle overs, while Shadab Khan’s all-round ability will be crucial.
With their backs against the wall, Pakistan must deliver a much-improved performance to level the series and regain momentum.
Predicted Lineup: Mohammad Haris (wk), Hasan Nawaz, Salman Agha (c), Irfan Khan, Shadab Khan, Abdul Samad, Khushdil Shah, Jahandad Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Ali, Abrar Ahmed.
New Zealand enter as clear favorites after a dominant win, with their bowling attack looking too strong for Pakistan’s fragile batting lineup. With Finn Allen, Tim Seifert, and Daryl Mitchell in form, the Blackcaps should comfortably chase or set a challenging total.
Pakistan’s best chance lies in early wickets from Shaheen Afridi and Abrar Ahmed making an impact in the middle overs. However, unless their top order finds answers to New Zealand’s pace, another one-sided result seems likely. Expect the hosts to take a 2-0 lead.
