2nd T20I
Both Afridi and Amir has helped Pakistan team to win a game against New Zealand
New Zealand scored 90 all out in 18.1 overs, where as Pakistan scored 92/3 in 12.1 overs.
So, finally Pakistan beat New Zealand by 7 wickets.
A collective bowling effort, spearheaded by Shaheen Afridi’s 3-13 and Mohammad Amir’s 2-13, propelled Pakistan to restrict New Zealand to a mere 90 runs in the second T20, securing a commanding seven-wicket victory to take a 1-0 lead in the series.
Following a rain-affected series opener, Pakistan’s bowlers showcased their prowess on a clear Rawalpindi evening.
Amir, making a comeback for Pakistan after a hiatus since 2020, made early inroads by claiming two crucial wickets during the powerplay, leaving the visitors reeling at 35/3 after Afridi provided the initial breakthrough by dismissing Tim Seifert.
Amir further dismantled the New Zealand batting order by dismissing Tim Robinson and Dean Foxcroft cheaply in successive overs.
The spinners then joined the onslaught, with Abrar Ahmed accounting for the well-set Chapman (19) and the experienced Jimmy Neesham in quick succession, as New Zealand faltered to 50/5 by the midway point of the ninth over.
Only Cole McConchie managed to reach double digits thereafter.
With Afridi and Shadab Khan also chipping in with two wickets each, the tourists were bundled out for a paltry 90 on the first ball of the penultimate over.
Pakistan encountered an early setback in their chase when Ben Lister dismissed Saim Ayub for just 4 runs off the second ball.
Skipper Michael Bracewell then removed his counterpart Babar Azam after a brief cameo of 14 runs off 13 balls, reducing the hosts to 41/2 in the fifth over, which further worsened to 56/3 as Ish Sodhi struck.
However, Rizwan seized control of the chase, smashing four boundaries and a six in his unbeaten 34-ball 45*, guiding his team to victory with 7.5 overs to spare and seven wickets in hand.
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