New Delhi: New Zealand secured another decisive victory, this time in Dunedin, following their success in Christchurch. The bowlers were instrumental in the win on Sunday, while Tim Seifert was pivotal in the home team’s five-wicket triumph on Tuesday, giving New Zealand a 2-0 advantage in the five-match series.
Following Pakistan’s establishment of a 136-run target in a rain-shortened match at the University Oval, which was limited to 15 overs, Seifert delivered an explosive performance, scoring 45 runs off just 22 balls, including five sixes and three fours. He partnered with fellow opener Finn Allen to create a rapid 66-run opening partnership in just 28 balls, with Allen contributing 38 runs off 16 balls, also hitting five sixes. New Zealand completed the chase with 11 balls remaining.
In the run chase, Seifert hit four of his sixes in one over against Shaheen Afridi, scoring 26 runs off six balls during the third over of the second innings. The first delivery of the over was a length ball wide outside off, which Seifert struck down the ground, sending it over the commentary box and beyond the stadium. On the next ball, Shaheen delivered a similar pitch, allowing Seifert to hit another six over cover.
The Pakistani fast bowler adjusted his approach by directing the next two deliveries inward, resulting in a dot ball followed by two runs. However, Seifert quickly capitalized on this change, hitting the next ball over deep mid-wicket for his third six of the over. On the final delivery, Shaheen bowled a bouncer, but the batter kept his stance and launched it over deep square for a fourth six.
Despite experiencing a second consecutive defeat as captain, Salman focused on the positives, praising Pakistan’s fielding and bowling performance. However, he acknowledged that the team needs to improve its batting during the powerplay.
“It was a good game compared to the last game. We batted batter. Fielding was outstanding. Bowling in patches was good. The bounce we need to understand is different. After the powerplay, we bowled well. Haris bowled well. We need to be better in the powerplay. As a batting unit, we need to have better powerplay. And same as a bowling unit as well,” he said in the post-match presentation.
