New Zealand vs Pakistan, 2nd T20I at Dunedin, NZ vs PAK, Mar 18 2025 - Match Result

After today's convincing win, New Zealand currently leads the five-match series 2-0. They will look to win the series on the 21st in Auckland. Thank you for tuning in. That's all from us today. See you all for the next match of the series at 12:15 p.m. local time. Until then, take care. Signing off on behalf of myself, Ranjith, and the rest of the ESPNcricinfo team.

Michael Bracewell: "The bowling was extraordinary, first of all. The guys bowling into the wind today bowled particularly well and kept them to a score which we're pretty happy with. That's definitely an assessment during the game. That probably goes away from the instincts of the death bowlers a little bit, not using the yorkers and things like that. But the wicket's been undercover for a day or so, and it's offering a little bit of extra bounce, we have to make sure that we use it, so we just try to use the wicket today and I thought the death bowlers bowled really well today. We're pretty happy with (the score) at half-time. It's a pretty small ground here, and it was very tough bowling into that wind today. It was very strong. We sort of aimed to target the downwind overs and sort of just take in a little bit with the wind, but it was great to watch, and they really knocked the back off that chase. We've been playing some really good cricket so far, so we just want to continue what we're doing. And we're pretty happy with where things are at, like the guys are hitting the ball nicely and bowling really well, so we just want to continue that. Sometimes the way they're in Wellington is not great, either. But yeah, it was amazing to see so many fans, brave. The (rainy) weather out here today and full credit to them. It was pretty cold."

Salman Agha: "It was freezing (out there), but it was a good game. It was a better game than the last game, a lot of positives, but obviously, a few work to do. I think we've batted a bit better within this game, but it would still need to be a better finish as well, fielding was outstanding, and bowling in patches was good, but we need to be a bit more consistent. As soon as we need to understand that the bounce is different when we adjust that bounce. I think we will be a better team. After Powerplay we bowled really well. I think spinners bowled well, and then Harris came, and he bowled really well. I think we bowled well in patches, and at the same time, we didn't bowl well in the Powerplay. We need to be a bit better in Powerplay and we need to be a bit more consistent. I think as a batting unit, we need to have a better Power play and just come to bowling, we need to have a better Powerplay as well, so probably something we need to improve."

Player of the Match Tim Seifert: "I thought after that first over (laughter) could be a tricky wicket, but yeah, it's a great win. And batting with Finn, the partnership, and working off each other. I thought we batted well. To be honest, there are not too many conversations. It's just obviously we've played a lot of cricket. it's just going out there and backing our skills and putting pressure on the bowlers when we can. (Back in the squad) Yeah, loving it! It's always as a Kiwi playing for your nation is a good dream, but yeah, it's awesome! Great to be back with the boys, and we're having fun at the same time. (Franchise Cricket experience) Yeah, you're playing with the world's best players, you're playing in all different conditions around the world, which helps your game. And then, at the same time, you as an individual know the way that you want to play and when to put pressure on bowlers and when to maybe just relax and just go through a couple overs. But yeah, I think, as a player, you definitely learn and get better. (No glovework behind the stumps) To be honest, when you drop two catches in the first game, I was a bit nervous today. There's one thing that I do try and work on because in some teams you do, just players are better. Obviously, the first game wasn't great, but that can happen."

ShahSafeer: "This deck looked good to bat on, Pakistan certainly missed 20 odd runs there. Credit to NZ openers and some of Pakistani bowlers"

Ram: "Shaheen doesn't have that same threat and sharpness to his bowling anymore."

6:30 pm Pakistan scored 135 runs and got off to a good start in the second innings. Shaheen bowled a maiden over, but Seifert struggled and was beaten several times. He was also smacked on the body. However, following that, it was all sixes at Dunedin's University Oval. Finn Allen began going on the attack, and Seifert quickly joined the party. The first 30 runs off the bat were five sixes, which explains a lot about the innings. Pakistan's score always looked under par, and New Zealand's openers once again led the way. Seifert scored 45 runs off 22 balls, including three fours and five sixes. Allen was more destructive, scoring 38 runs off 16 balls, including one four and five sixes. Despite losing a few wickets in the middle, New Zealand never struggled to reach the target total. Mitchell and Hay worked hard to get the team close to the winning score in the end. The Pakistani bowlers had a dismal day, with only Rauf and Khushdil standing out. Rauf claimed two wickets, while Khushdil took one.

More stat from Sampath: 31 sixes in 125 balls for Finn Allen in T20s at the University Oval. 21 off those came in 78 balls against Pakistan

New Zealand won the match by 5 wickets

Skipper Bracewell in, around the wicket

Mitchell looks okay to continue

13 runs needed from 18 balls, here's Rauf

Here's Shadab Khan

Pakistan desperately need wickets here, New Zealand can't afford to lose anymore wickets now. Here's Shaheen Shah Afridi, bowled a maiden over and then got smacked 26 runs. Can he pick up a wicket or two?