Pakistan Sports Journal

Mohammad Hafeez looked good for his 46 but he was alone in the mission - photo from web

Dominant New Zealand beats Pakistan in the second Twenty 20 international by 39-runs and won the series 2-0. Off-spinner Nathan McCullum took 4 crucial wickets to restrict Pakistan from reaching the target of 186 at Seddon Park on Tuesday.

Chasing the huge total of 186 runs Pakistan only managed to score 146 runs and grabs another series loss.

Batting first New Zealand made a huge total of 185 courtesy of fantastic second wicket partnership between Guptill and Franklin of 90. Scott Styris scored furious 30 and McGlashan made 26 of just 10 balls and took the total to 185.

Saeed Ajmal took 3 wickets for 35 runs in his 4 overs, Pacers were hammered by Kiwis. Shahid Afridi was economical, he gave only 22 in his 4 overs and took 1 wicket.

Pakistan batting innings was got of to a flying start, Hafeez and Afridi made 24 in 1.5 overs but Afridi was bold by Mills on the last ball of second over. Hafeez continued his aggression with Ahmad Shahzad and both took the score to 68 in 7.5 overs.

Wickets of Ahmad Shahzad brought the downfall of Pakistani innings, from a position of 68 for 1, Pakistan slipped down to 76 for 4. Younis khan, Asad Shafique and Abdul Razzaq failed big time in the huge run chase.

Top scorer Mohammad Hafeez (46) was unfortunately got run out because of misjudgment from Umar Akmal, who refuse to comeback for the second run in last moment.

After all this it was just the matter of time for the Kiwis to take the series after such a long time and embarrassments after Asian tours.

Pakistan innings ended up on 146 runs after 20 overs for the loss of 9 wickets. Kiwis were really pleased with this effort because Pakistan is the strong T20 side. Third T20 is on 30^th and both the teams will be hoping to end their disastrous years on high.