Inexperienced Pakistan eyes comeback in second T20I against New Zealand

As the T20I action shifts from Christchurch to Dunedin for the second match of the five-match series on Tuesday, the spotlight remains firmly on Pakistan’s batting after a demoralizing performance in the series opener.

Pakistan’s new era under captain Salman Agha got off to a rocky start, as the side suffered a crushing nine-wicket defeat in the first T20I, bowled out for just 91 in 17.2 overs. New Zealand chased it down in a canter, needing only 10.1 overs, and now hold a 1-0 lead.

Dunedin now presents Pakistan a chance at redemption, but the venue carries ominous memories. In January 2024, Finn Allen’s brutal 137 had powered New Zealand to 224 here, and they defeated Pakistan by 45 runs.

The University Oval has developed a reputation for high-scoring encounters — the average run rate in T20Is is 9.88, with three 200-plus totals in six innings. Pakistan’s batters, low on confidence, must quickly adapt to exploit the conditions better.

New Zealand, meanwhile, are enjoying a seamless blend of experience and youth. The bowling attack led by Kyle Jamieson (3/8 in the first T20I) and Jacob Duffy (who has two four-wicket hauls against Pakistan) was clinical.

Duffy, who calls Dunedin home, will be looking forward to performing in front of familiar faces. "Good to be home... Looking forward to getting out to what I think is the best ground in the country," he said, underlining the emotional connection he has with the venue.

Likely XIs

The hosts are unlikely to make any changes to their winning combination. In the batting lineup, Tim Seifert and Finn Allen form a dangerous opening pair. Seifert has a phenomenal record at this venue, averaging 56.50 at a strike rate of 156.94. Daryl Mitchell adds further firepower in the middle order, with three half-centuries in the format since 2024.

New Zealand likely XI: Tim Seifert, Finn Allen, Tim Robinson, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Hay (wk), Michael Bracewell (c), Zakary Foulkes, Ish Sodhi, Kyle Jamieson, Jacob Duffy

For Pakistan, selection questions loom. Right-arm pacer, Mohammed Ali, who debuted in the first game, showed promise despite conceding 25 runs in three overs, and the team might persist with him to give him more exposure. However, Haris Rauf, who sat out the first game, remains an option if Pakistan wants to bolster their attack with experience.

In the batting department, Pakistan handed debuts to Hassan Nawaz and Abdul Samad and are likely to give more chances to their young batters, so that they can prove their mettle.

Pakistan likely XI: Mohammad Haris (wk), Hasan Nawaz, Salman Agha (c), Irfan Khan, Shadab Khan, Abdul Samad, Khushdil Shah, Jahandad Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammed Ali/Haris Rauf

The Dunedin surface is expected to offer something for everyone. While it’s generally favorable to batters, seamers can extract movement in the early stages. A forecast of occasional showers might also add an extra variable.

Statistically, New Zealand holds a significant advantage. Since 2020, they have won eight of their last 12 T20Is against Pakistan at home and remain unbeaten in T20Is in Dunedin. Given their recent form and historical dominance, they head into the second game as clear favorites.

For Pakistan, this match is about much more than just leveling the series. It’s a test of their new leadership, the capabilities of their young players, and their ability to bounce back under pressure.