Pakistan’s Left-arm Pacers Shine as New Zealand Collapse in Second T20 Clash

In a thrilling display of bowling prowess, left-arm pacers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mohammad Amir led Pakistan to a dominant seven-wicket victory over New Zealand in the second Twenty20 clash in Rawalpindi. The duo orchestrated a sensational collapse of the New Zealand batting lineup, dismissing them for a mere 90 runs before Mohammad Rizwan anchored Pakistan’s chase with a composed innings.

Shaheen Shah Afridi was the standout performer with figures of 3-13, while Mohammad Amir, making a remarkable comeback to international cricket after four years, contributed with 2-13. Their incisive spells rattled the visitors as they were bundled out in just 18.1 overs after being asked to bat first.

In response, Mohammad Rizwan played a crucial knock, remaining unbeaten on 45 off 34 balls to guide Pakistan to chase down the target in just 12.1 overs and take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. Despite New Zealand’s fightback with the wickets of Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, and debutant Usman Khan, Rizwan found support in Muhammad Irfan Khan to seal the victory.

Amir’s impactful return to the international arena added early pressure on New Zealand, while spinners Abrar Ahmed and Shadab Khan further compounded their woes, resulting in their second-lowest total against Pakistan in T20 cricket.

With both teams gearing up for the Twenty20 World Cup in June, New Zealand’s absence of key players due to IPL commitments, unavailability, and injuries was evident. The remaining matches of the series promise more thrilling encounters between the two sides in Rawalpindi and Lahore on April 24, 25, and 27.