Pakistan dominates weakened New Zealand in 2nd T20I, winning by seven wickets

In a thrilling display of bowling prowess, left-armers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mohammad Amir led Pakistan to a resounding victory over New Zealand in the second Twenty20 clash on Saturday in Rawalpindi. The duo shared five wickets to rock the visitors for a paltry 90 runs before Mohammad Rizwan anchored the chase to secure a win for Pakistan.

Shaheen Shah Afridi was the standout performer with figures of 3-13, while Mohammad Amir, making a comeback to international cricket after nearly four years, finished with 2-13 as New Zealand were bowled out in just 18.1 overs after being sent in to bat.

Despite a fightback from New Zealand with quick wickets of Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, and debutant Usman Khan, Mohammad Rizwan’s unbeaten 45 off 34 balls guided Pakistan to chase down the target in just 12.1 overs.

The victory gave Pakistan a 1-0 lead in the five-match series, following a washout in the first match in Rawalpindi.

Spinners Abrar Ahmed and Shadab Khan also played a crucial role in restricting New Zealand to their second lowest total against Pakistan in the shortest format of the game.

With both teams gearing up for the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup, the remaining matches of the series promise to be equally exciting. Pakistan and New Zealand will face off in Rawalpindi on Sunday, followed by two matches in Lahore on April 25 and 27.